AMES, Iowa — The Perry High School Mock Trial team participated Tuesday in the Iowa State Bar Association Mock Trial Regional Contest in Ames.
The PHS team represented the defendant in competition with state-qualifier Carroll High
School. Perry’s litigators represented the prosecution in the second round, competing against ADM High School.
Perry finished sixth in team rankings in the contest and fifth in total team points. Representing Perry High School on the Mock Trial Team were:
● Bryce Eastman: Attorney (Senior)
● Jefry Gonzalez: Attorney (Junior)
● Lily Riley: Attorney (Sophomore)
● Sophia McDevitt: Attorney/Witness (Sophomore)
● Andres Avila: Witness (Sophomore)
● Dominic Rinner: Attorney (Freshman)
● Mylah Meis: Witness (Freshman)
● Ethan Jackson: Witness (Freshman)
The PHS Mock Trial Team is advised by Attorney AnneMarie McDevitt, Darcy Spellman, and Tom Lipovac. Attorney Mark Powell assisted with the exhibits procedure.
Each year, 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.
The 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 and presentation skills. Teams with 2-0 records/the highest performance point totals advance to the state tournament.
The one-class system of competition encompasses Iowa high schools with a wide range of enrollments. Mock Trial 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, emphasizing the importance of research, presentation and teamwork.
In addition to teaching students about contemporary public issues and the legal system, the Mock Trial program encourages teachers and students to develop learning
partnerships with professionals from the community. More than 1,600 students from across Iowa participate in the annual tournament, including students from social studies courses, TAG programs, at-risk classes and extracurricular mock trial clubs.
