These nine members of Moniteau's Academic Decathlon team finished first in the state competition and placed ninth in a national contest. Kneeling, from left, are Travis Shaffer, Cody Slater and Mark Holfelder. Standing, from left, are Rachel Riddell, David Williams, Matt O'Malley, Erik Fort, Michael Simmons and Kristan Russell.

CHERRY TWP — Competing in the US Academic Decathlon's Small School's Division, Moniteau's Academic Decathlon team recently placed first in a state competition and eighth in the national contest. The topic for the competition year was "China and its Influence on the World."

Nine of the team's members, including Travis Shaffer, Cody Slater, Mark Holfelder, Rachel Riddell, David Williams, Matt O'Malley, Erik Fort, Michael Simmons and Kristan Russell, qualified to participate in the competitions. Each received pewter participation medals.

Three members were awarded scholarships from schools involved in the decathlon.

Shaffer received a full four-year scholarship to Gannon University, where he will major in chemical engineering. He also received a scholarship from Roth Marz Construction Partnership.

O'Malley received a full four-year scholarship to Edinboro University, where he plans to major in accounting.

He has also been awarded scholarships from AK Steel, the Butler Road Race and Roth Marz.

Slater also received a full scholarship to Edinboro University, where he will major in social studies secondary education.