The Smith-Cotton High School DECA chapter had 20 students qualify for the state-level competition with their performances at the District 4 competition held February 25 at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

At the competition, Ashlei Boeschen and Malaki Reed took First place in Financial Literacy Project. Reese Green and Lindsey Carrico were First in Sales Project. Jeffthan Glaster was first in Principles of Business Administration and Management, and Professional Selling. Other notable finishes include:

-Josie Peck and Madison Rettke: Second place in Community Awareness Project
-Ashlyn Gerlt and Piper Cantrell: Second place in Business Solutions Project
-Ava Herrick and Brylee Hermanson: Second place in Sports and Entertainment Marketing Operations Research
-Taylor Pinkle and Addison Lyles: Second place in Buying and Merchandising Operations Research
-Sophia Carney and Noelle Dennis: Third place in Career Development Project
-Taylor Pinkle and Addison Lyles: Third place in Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making
-Mia Ross and Joslyn McMullin: Third place in Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research
-Rylie Mathew: Fourth place in Retail Merchandising Series
-Talon Newell: Fourth place in Financial Consulting
-Zakiyah Williams: Fourth place in Marketing Communications Series

All 20 advance to the Missouri DECA State Career Development Conference on March 23-25 at Crown Center in Kansas City.