RICHARDTON (AP) - When it comes to Student Congress, students here are the law of the land.

The Richardton-Taylor High School Student Congress recently placed first in this year's state competition. The win came as little surprise.

"We've competed the past 16 years, won first place in the past 12 state tournaments and got second place the other four times," adviser Sue Anderson said. "Eight students placed in state, with six individual state champions going on to the national qualifying competition Nov. 17 and 18."

The national competition is in June in Kansas.

Anderson said there is no big secret to the longtime success of the southwestern North Dakota school's Student Congress program.

"It all boils down to having motivated students," she said. "I've just been lucky to have students who are driven to achieve and do their best."

She said some older students even help out with the teaching of younger siblings.

"Older students mentor to a point to get the younger ones interested in the activity," Anderson said.

State champion Marie Hetzel attributes the winning tradition to the coach.

"The tradition is due to having the same coach who knows what's going on," she said. "We also pass our knowledge down to others. I have for my younger sisters who are going to be in it."

Anderson said Student Congress, which involves mock governmental exercises, teaches students organizational skills and the importance of preparation. Student Ashlynn Aman said it also provides a break from typical school activities.

"I like learning about things I wouldn't already know about," she said. "The challenge is researching and writing structured speeches. It's about quality, not quantity."

Anderson said Student Congress also keeps students up to date with world happenings.

"The most rewarding thing is to see students who don't know what's going on internationally and become involved with Student Congress," she said.