Sunday, February 27, 2011

Celina Mock Trial

This is a guest post written by senior Evin Bachelor and the members of the Mock Trial Team.  
My Trusty Gavel



Whoever schedules Mock Trial competitions should become a weather man. Continuing with tradition, our Mock Trial teams have gone to both District and Regional competitions during strong winter storms this year.

Since September, the CHS Mock Trial teams have been preparing for court by studying case materials given by the Ohio Center for Law Related Education's High School Mock Trial organization. This year's case involved a family's right of property on body tissues removed by a coroner for an autopsy. Each team must argue each side of the case.

At Districts, our two teams went and competed against Sidney's two teams. Our Green Team won both trials and was then able to advance to Regional competitions. Jena Sweigart and Evin Bachelor were both recognized as Outstanding Attorneys in their trials. Emily Nighswander was recognized as Outstanding Witness in her trial.


Thursday, February 24, 2011: Yet another winter storm has come to our homeland. In order to be on the safe side, Mr. Sell organized the team to leave that very night so that we would not be hindered by the latest storm. The team pushed through the storm on the way to Troy and spent the evening working at the Troy Holiday Inn Express.


Friday, February 25, 2011: Our Plaintiff (Prosecuting) team went against Dayon's DECA team. An epic battle of law ensued. The Plaintiff team is comprised of attorneys Evin Bachelor & Ellie Elston as well as witnesses Kate Clausen, Camille Smith & Olivia Seals with Brody Sell as timekeeper. Later that morning, our Defense team combatted Yellow Spring's team. The Defense team is made up of attorneys Jena Sweigart and Justin Hoffman and witnesses Emily Nighswander and Leslie Gudorf. At the end of the Defense trial, attorney Jena Sweigart was awarded the distinction of Outstanding Attorney.

The Celina High School Mock Trial team did not get to return to state, BUT that does NOT mean it was not worthwhile. Mock Trial has helped each participant develop strong public speaking skills as well as a respect for the American Justice System. Mock Trial allows its participants to think on their feet and defend a position, as well as to listen to others. One of the most valuable assets gained through Mock Trial is the connection with other students. Mock Trial attracts a variety of students and bringing them together starts frinedships that last long past the end of Mock Trial.

God Bless America!

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