Bradford Era – SAHS Smethport Area High School returned from the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) District 1 Conference with seven state qualifiers. From left are Wyatt Hungiville, Cali Dart, Mara Ours, Lelah Lane, Olivia Rounsville, Chloe Conn and Andrew Benson.

Smethport sent 45 competitors to the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) District 1 Conference this week and returned with seven state qualifiers.

Gold medalists included Lelah Lane in Apparel and Accessories Merchandising, Cali Dart in Human Resources Management, and Mara Ours in Restaurant and Food Service Management. Ours also tied for the top role play score in District 1.

Silver medals went to Wyatt Hungiville in Principles of Business Administration, Andrew Benson in Principles of Entrepreneurship, and the team of Chloe Conn and Olivia Rounsville in Hospitality Services Team Decision Making.

School officials noted the accomplishment was especially significant given Smethport’s size. “We continue to be the largest chapter in District 1, despite being the smallest school,” the post read. “I’m incredibly proud of the students for stepping out of their comfort zones to compete against much larger school districts.”

Qualifiers advance to the state conference in Hershey in February. More