The DECA program at Oak Harbor High School joined thousands of champion hopefuls last week during an international conference in Kentucky.

Among the group of eight, one student finished in the top 10, another in the top 20 and the Oak Harbor High School student store received a gold medallion.

Thousands of teens throughout the country compete in each category, with only the best 150 making it to the national competition.

Simone Hamilton made the top 10 in the Automotive Services category, while Shaina Estadilla was Top 20 in the Restaurant Management category. The team of Katie Schneider, Derrick Clarit, and Millie Goebel received a gold medallion, recognizing the DECA store as a gold-certified operation for the third year in a row. Also earning a trip to nationals were Jayme Hunt (honorable mention-Accounting Applications) and Jordan Otruba (Quick Serve Restaurant Management).

The DECA program was led by teacher Eric Peterson.