Since 1999, the CyberMill has offered kids a place to gain technology skills, make friends and present projects they've completed. Friday night, many CyberMill clubhouse members won prizes in the third annual Millie Awards (named for the "Mill" in CyberMill).

"This year, 114 kids participated and there were 380 entries," said Cynthia Dempsey, executive director. "There are five main categories, with sub-categories and five place awards in each.

"We have categories in audio production, interactive Game Maker, graphic design, digital photo and digital story production."

The participants competed for ribbons, trophies and prizes, including a computer specially built by CyberMill's tech director Paul Hippauf, a digital camera and an iPod shuffle.

Award attendees arrived to a genuine red carpet, a balloon arch and a fancy food reception. Electricity and technology were in the air.

Marissa Faulker, 13, won a Millie for audio production, her favorite CyberMill activity.

"You write the script and then record it, which is fun," she said. "My brother Alec and I come here about three times a week and take workshops, where you can learn so much. Everyone is friendly."

She also won an honorable mention in the Game Maker category. Her brother won a Millie for Fine Art Photography and an honorable mention in creating with Adobe Premier software.

Marissa likes CyberMill because, "you have so much freedom and a lot of options for what you can do. You can create anything on the computer."

Brothers Michael and Isaac Quinn work on CyberMill computers as often as they can.

"I entered posters, Slideshow and photos in the contest," said Isaac. "I like doing a lot of things. I really want to win something."

His wish came true, as Isaac took first place in Photoshop Slideshow and third place in Macro Photography.

A big winner Friday night was Josh Dodson, who has been coming regularly to the CyberMill clubhouse for two years. Dodson won Millies in Macro Photography and Game Maker and first place in two other categories. He was named Best in Show.

"CyberMill provides a good place to go to learn about computers," said Dodson, 12. "This is good training, because I want to become a game creator."

The Millie Awards' emcee was Napa County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Nemko.

"CyberMill is an after school program that teaches middle school kids amazing, cutting-edge multi-media skills that they can use in school, at work and in life," said Nemko. "In fact, CyberMill kids know how to do the things most adults are still trying to learn. Best of all, they're having a great time while building the transferable skills that are essential for success in the 21st century."

The CyberMill clubhouse is open after school and during school vacations.

"Since it's after school, we have to make it fun or the kids won't come," said Dempsey. "Our kids learn these skills which are transferable to their school and work lives. They understand a network, servers, PowerPoint and learn presentation skills. For instance, we have an audio studio, which is one of our award categories. Participants must plan the story, write the script, find talent, record sound effects and tell the stories. All of these things help their communication skills."

The curriculum is self-paced and project based. That way, if a child misses a few days or a week, they can immediately start back up where they left off. Workshops are presented every day, so new skills can be learned.

"One of the many things we count as a success are our peer volunteers," said Dempsey. "They are gaining experience in working together and in teams to teach other students. We see kids who hate school who soon become stars and begin teaching others what they know. They are finding out about the world, which is a lot easier now than it was 20 years ago."

One of the peer volunteers is Debbie Bazsuly, who now attends New Technology High. "I show kids how to use computers and programs," said Bazsuly, 15. "I volunteered all summer. It's getting busy now with my school, but I do as much as I can. CyberMill helps the kids and it's really fun. Volunteering here means I'm helping the community but it doesn't feel like work."

The clubhouse can hold about 35 to 40 students at a time and has 37 computers. Fees are $100 per child per season; financial aid and scholarships are available.

"The environment is very welcoming," said Dempsey. "You can come in and feel you have friends. We make it OK to be at any level and kids teach other kids. We rely on these peer teachers, because we have only three full time and one half time adults running the program and hundreds of kids. They know they're important. Most students are middle school age and we have alums that are in college now. Many of them came back to help with the awards."

For information about CyberMill, call (707) 258-8884 or visit cybermill.org.