PHS Mock Trial Team competes in regional contests

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Competing March 7 in the Central Iowa Regional Contest were PHS Mock Trial Team members, front row from left, Advisor Tom Lipovac, Sophia McDevitt, Maddie McDevitt, Catherine Miranda and Advisor Darcy Spellman; second row from left, Amy Diaz, Mylah Meis and Amy Aguirre; third row from left, Steven Gonzalez, Jeremiah Matias, Seth Borgeson and Quin Mahler-Moreno. Photo courtesy PCSD

Competing March 7 at the Mock Trial Regional Contest in Des Moines were PHS Mock Trial Team members, front row from left, Amy Diaz, Sophia McDevitt, Quin Mahler-Moreno and Catherine Miranda; second row from left, Maddie McDevitt, Jeremiah Matias, Steven Gonzalez, Seth Borgeson, Mylah Meis and Amy Aguirre. Photo courtesy PCSD

The Perry High School Mock Trial team participated in the Iowa State Bar Association Mock Trial Central Regional Contest March 7 at the Iowa Event Center in Des Moines. Some 30 schools from central Iowa participated in the Des Moines regional contest.

The PHS team represented the Defendant in first-round competition with Ankeny High School, the top-ranked central Iowa state qualifier. The team represented the Plaintiff in the second round, competing against Dowling Catholic High School.

The Perry High School Mock Trial Team was composed of:

● Amy Aguirre: Witness (Senior)
● Sophia McDevitt: Attorney (Junior)
● Amy Diaz: Attorney (Sophomore)
● Quin Mahler-Moreno: Attorney (Sophomore)
● Myla Meis: Attorney/Witness (Sophomore)
● Seth Borgeson: Witness (Freshman)
● Maddie McDevitt: Witness (Freshman)
● Jeremiah Matias: Witness (Freshman)
● Catherine Miranda: Witness/Attorney (Freshman)
● Steven Gonzalez: Alternate (Freshman)

The PHS Mock Trial Team is advised by attorney AnneMarie McDevitt, Darcy Spellman and Tom Lipovac.

“This season the students have worked extremely hard in an activity that is challenging,” said Spellman. “Seeing them prepare, stand up, and argue the case is a rewarding experience. In the nature of mock trial, there are a number of “What ifs?” that appear during the competition. The students took all of the feedback along with comments and continued to improve each time they spoke out during the competition. Thank you to all of the students who participated in the 2023 Mock Trial competition.”

Lipovac said the PHS team showed good teamwork throughout their practice sessions and into the Regional contest.

“We value their ability to think critically and respond quickly in the courtroom setting and also for their commitment in giving their best in one of the largest competitive academic activities offered in Iowa high schools,” he said. “We hope our students take away essential skills including public speaking and the ability to present clear and logical arguments, from different perspectives, while maintaining a civil manner.”

Lipovac gave special thanks to Perry attorney AnneMarie McDevitt for sharing her legal expertise and advice with the team.

“We are grateful for her time and for her commitment to our program,” he said.

Each year competing schools are provided with a criminal or a civil Mock Trial case. Mock Trial competitions are judged by courtroom judges, attorneys and other legal professionals.

Teams earn performance points based on their ability to effectively portray the roles of attorneys and witnesses while engaging in the courtroom process and displaying critical thinking and presentation skills.

Teams with 2-0 records and the highest performance point totals advance to the Regional Finals and then to the State Tournament. The competition is a one-class system, encompassing high schools with a wide range of enrollments.

Mock Trial competition is designed to introduce students to the U.S. 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 legal professionals from the community. More than 1,600 students from across Iowa participate in the annual competition. The tournament includes students from TAG programs and extracurricular Mock Trial clubs.

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