With their outstanding performances at the regional tournament in early March, both of Roosevelt’s Mock Trial Teams earned a berth to the state tournament.
Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the state tournament which was to be held in early April was cancelled. Despite the teams’ disappointment about state, their performances deserve high praise.
The TRHS Blue Team placed third in the Des Moines Regional Competition, and the Green Team placed 5th. The teams were coached by John McKinney, Randy Jackson, and Artis Reis, with support from assistant coach JoEllen Whitney and assistant student coach Livi Ovrom.
Per the Iowa State Bar Association which sponsors the competitions, mock trial “is designed to introduce students to our legal system by providing a challenging, academic competition. The program offers students an opportunity for personal growth and achievement, emphasizing the importance of research, presentation, and teamwork. In addition to teaching students about contemporary public issues and the legal system, the program encourages teachers and students to develop learning partnerships with professionals from the community. Lawyers from communities throughout Iowa contribute their time as coaches and judges at the tournaments.”
The Roosevelt Foundation helped fund expenses for the Mock Trial Teams. Congratulations to both teams and their coaches!
Blue Team
Front Row: Georgia Page, Lauren Carpenter, Madeline Fialkov, Catherine Konrad, Francis Pattison, Alice Anderson. Second row: Karianna Klassen, Ellen McDonough, Mary Kitundu, Cameron Wheeler
Green Team
Front row: John Puri, Eliza Tutty, Maggie McKinney, Isabelle Brace, SaraGrace Lamb. Second row: Ryan Huang, Nick Jackson, Elle Green, Crey Abbas, Henry Vermeer.