The Perry High School Mock Trial team participated in the Iowa State Bar Association’s Mock Trial Central Regional Contest March 22 in Ames.
The Perry High School Mock Trial Team was composed of:
● Kaylee Wuebker: Attorney
● Quin Mahler-Moreno: Attorney
● Mylah Meis: Attorney
● Sophia McDevitt: Attorney/Witness
● Catherine Miranda: Witness/Attorney
● Seth Borgeson: Witness
● Isaiah Christensen: Witness
● Aleah Karolus: Witness
● Maddie McDevitt: Alternate
The PHS Mock Trial Team is advised by Brenda Mintun and Tom Lipovac. Attorney Coach was AnneMarie McDevitt, and Senior Team Captains were Kaylee Wuebker, attorney, and Sophia McDevitt, attorney/witness.
In regional competition, the Perry team first represented the defendant against Roland-Story High School, resulting in a total performance score tied at 203.5. The PHS team then represented the prosecution in the second round, competing against a second team from Roland-Story High School, which resulted in a total performance score of 230-241.
The Perry litigators finished in eighth place overall.
Four PHS competitors earned ISBA Ames All-Regional individual honors or honorable mentions:
● Seth Borgeson: Witness (All-Regional)
● Mylah Meis: Attorney (All-Regional)
● Kaylee Wuebker: Attorney (Honorable Mention)
● Quin Mahler-Moreno: Attorney (Honorable Mention)
“I appreciate this team’s passion for the law,” said Mintun, Mock Trial advisor. “As this was my first experience with mock trial, I enjoyed learning with the students. Witnessing both their effort in preparation and their growth in knowledge of the law was inspiring. Our witnesses and attorneys had excellent rapport, making the trials a joy to watch. I could not be more proud of our team and their accomplishment.”
Mock Trial Advisor Lipovac was similarly enthusiastic.
“This year’s team developed a cohesiveness while displaying excellent critical thinking skills,” Lipovac said. “Their ability to analyze the details of the case, identify strengths and weaknesses in the witness statements and present convincing, sound and reasonable arguments in support of their position were strengths. Our team was diligent and determined in their preparation while competing in a challenging activity. They gave their best while participating in one of the largest academic activities offered in Iowa high schools. A special thank you to AnneMarie McDevitt for sharing her legal advice and expertise with our students. Her commitment to our program is valued.”
The annual Mock Trial competitions are judged by courtroom judges, attorneys and other legal professionals. Each school is provided with a criminal or civil Mock Trial case, and teams are awarded performance points based on their ability to effectively portray the roles
of attorneys and witnesses while also engaging in the courtroom process and displaying critical thinking and presentation skills.
More than 1,600 students from across Iowa participate in Mock Trial competitions, and the regional contests form a one-class system encompassing high schools with a wide range of enrollments. Teams with 2-0 records and the highest performance point totals advance to the State tournament.
The Mock Trial experience is designed to introduce students to the U.S. legal system by means of a challenging academic competition. The program offers students an opportunity for personal growth and achievement and emphasizes the importance of research, presentation and teamwork.
In addition to teaching young people about contemporary public issues and the legal system, the Mock Trial program encourages teachers and students to develop learning partnerships with legal professionals from the community.
The Mock Trial tournament includes students from Iowa’s Talented and Gifted programs, Advanced Placement American government classes and extracurricular Mock Trial clubs at high schools.
