On February 20-21, the LHS Mock Trial teams A and B competed against over 15 other teams and emerged the overall Arapahoe County champion! Team A rose victorious against highly competitive public and private schools alike, some of which included Kent, Regis, St. Mary’s, and Cherry Creek. This is an enormous accomplishment, and the Mock Trial A team will be heading to State in Fort Collins on March 13th and 14th.
But what is Mock Trial exactly? “It is a complete court case simulation,” said Senior Rowan Ingraham, member of team A. ”You have three witnesses and three lawyers, and they do direct examination (questioning your own witnesses). And then there is a cross examination (questioning your opponent’s witnesses). You also perform a five minute opening speech and five minute closing speech.”
Each round lasts about three hours, and is presided over by federal judges. “It really improves your public speaking skills and your ability to think on your feet,” said Junior Andrew Orcutt, who won an individual award for being a witness along with Freshman Zev Lemire. Additionally, Junior Maddie Meier also won Outstanding Attorney.
Making State is a golden highlight in many of these students’ Mock Trial careers, especially because a large number of them have been doing it for several years and have put in countless hours of work towards this goal.
“I really enjoy Mock Trial. I’ve done it for four years, and being able to have a cohesive team dynamic as well as the success we had was really incredible,” said Ingraham.
“It was really exciting to go to State after five years of doing this… I love the competitive aspect of it,” added Senior Emma Roskelley with a smile. “I also love all of the people, you get really close with your team.”
Congratulations to our Mock Trial teams, and good luck at State!
