DuBOIS, Pa. — Excitement and drama once again filled Hiller Auditorium at Penn State DuBois for the 34th annual Senior Scholastic Challenge. Students from six high schools in the region came to the campus to test their knowledge against other students and to see which school would take the top spot at the end of the evening. The competition featured a mix of questions from science, literature, grammar, math, social studies and various other subjects.

Michael Clement, the master of ceremonies, started off the event by welcoming students, team advisers, parents and community members, setting the tone for the evening and explaining how the challenge would proceed. Rowan Mattern and Gavin Taylor of Clearfield Area High School led the audience in a rousing rendition of the national anthem, inviting everyone to join them by singing along.

Jungwoo Ryoo, chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State DuBois, also stepped forward to welcome everyone to the campus and to wish all of the participants the best of luck in the challenge. Melissa Duttry, director of enrollment services, also spoke to everyone to welcome them and to offer insights into everything that Penn State DuBois has to offer.

The participating schools in the challenge were Brockway Area, Brookville Area, Clearfield Area, DuBois Area, DuBois Central Catholic and St. Marys Area.

The competition comprised four preliminary rounds, each featuring 30 mixed oral questions that tested the students' knowledge across a spectrum of subjects. After a brief intermission, two final rounds were held for the four top teams from the preliminary rounds. Brookville Area, DuBois Area, DuBois Central Catholic and St. Marys Area advanced to the final rounds, with Brockway Area and Clearfield Area falling just short of qualification.

The four qualifying teams participated in the final two rounds and placed as follows:

1. Brookville Area
2. DuBois Area
3. DuBois Central Catholic
4. St. Marys Area

Individual excellence also was recognized, with Connor Siple of DuBois Central Catholic being recognized for his knowledge and quick thinking as he answered the most questions correctly during the preliminary rounds. Siple and Henry May of Brookville also were recognized as they tied for the most correct answers during the final rounds.

Applause filled the auditorium during the awards presentation, with students displaying their pride for realizing the hard work, studying and dedication they completed in preparation for the event had all paid off. Family members and individuals from the community shared their excitement for the students as well.

The event would not have been possible without the dedicated of Carol Foltz of Coldwell Banker Developac Realty and the support of Sunny 106. Their commitment to education and fostering a love for learning among the region's youth was evident throughout the evening.

This marked the second time in several weeks that Penn State DuBois played host to a Scholastic Challenge, with the Junior Scholastic Challenge also held on campus Feb. 22.