BISMARCK - Three area high schools placed in the top five at the two-day 46th annual North Dakota High School Activities Association State Student Congress competition.

Richardton-Taylor placed first in mock-legislation competition with 194 points. Fargo Shanley (160), West Fargo (150), Fargo South (129) and Valley City (99) rounded out the top five.

Aaron Knodel of West Fargo was named Student Congress coach of the year by his peers.

Nineteen schools and 226 students competed in the competition Thursday and Friday at the State Capitol.