The theme of the evening was "Business Beyond Borders," with the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities class from Whiteside Area Career Center presenting the meal, catered by Smoked on 3rd BBQ Bistro and Catering.

Diners could sample Italian, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisine, and took part in a Jeopardy-style quiz game. The winning table received "$100,000" – as in a 100 Grand candy bar.

"It never ceases to amaze me how the young people pull this off," Noble said of the WACC students' help.

The CEO class is looking to expand this year, with a second chapter opening at Dixon High School. The goal is to have more than 40 students between the two sites.

WACC Director of Development Jerry Binder said, "CEO changed the game for a lot of kids."

The CEO program at WACC is the second established in the state. Binder said program facilitator Le Hartman is someone whom other facilitators come to for advice.