Forty Roosevelt High School students from all grade levels participated virtually in the Iowa High School Mock Trial Preliminary Competition last week. Four teams of 9-11 students each argued for Plaintiff in one trial and for Defense in another trial. Students are assigned roles as attorneys and witnesses, learning about the law, critical thinking, and effective presentation skills. This statewide program is sponsored by the Iowa State Bar Association. Teams are coached by local volunteer attorneys.
This year, seventy-nine teams from Iowa High Schools entered the competition, each hoping to move on to the Mock Trial State Tournament. Two Riders teams finished high enough in the Preliminary Tournament to earn automatic bids to State, and a third team won in a Playoff Round this past Thursday. This is the first time in Roosevelt history to have three teams go to State.
At State two of those Roosevelt teams brought home trophies for placing number ten and number twelve in the State. Also receiving individual State honors were Seniors Madeline Fialkov and Karianna Klassen and Junior John Puri. Many additional team members received high scores and praises for their legal knowledge, analytical skills, and realistic witness portrayals.
Each team was coached by attorney volunteers and the Foundation is happy to financially support the 2021 Mock Trial program. Congratulations to all for a very successful year in this virtual state-wide competition!