The Perry High School Mock Trial team participated in the virtual 2021 Iowa State Bar Association Mock Trial Contest March 3.
The PHS team represented the Plaintiff in competition with State Qualifier Des Moines Roosevelt, and the team represented the Defendant in the second round competing against Shenandoah.
Perry High School finished the preliminary round with a record of 1-1, scoring higher than the team from Shenandoah High School. The State Tournament will be held March 23-26.
The Perry High School Mock Trial Team consists of:
● Dalton Scott (Witness) – Outstanding Defense Witness Nomination*
● Lily Riley (Attorney)
● Kaylee Wuebker (Attorney) – Outstanding Defense Attorney Nomination*
● Aidyn Hood (Attorney)
● Sophia McDevitt (Attorney/Witness) – Outstanding Defense Attorney Nomination*
● Riley Sergent (Attorney/Witness) – Outstanding Defense Witness Nomination*
● Amy Aguirre (Witness)
● Zoe Hibbert (Witness)
* Based on Judges’ Ratings
The PHS Mock Trial Team is advised by Attorney AnneMarie McDevitt, Darcy Spellman and Tom Lipovac.
Mock Trial competitions are judged by actual judges, attorneys and law students.
● Teams are awarded 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 skills.
● Teams with 2-0 records/the highest performance point totals advance to the state playoff round and potentially the State Tournament.
● The competition is a one-class system, encompassing high schools with a wide range of enrollments.
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.
Last year, more than 1,600 students from across Iowa participated. The tournament includes students from social studies courses, TAG programs, at-risk classes and extracurricular mock trial clubs.
