THS mock trial team gears up for national meet in US

The Tinian High School Mock Trial Team has been busy preparing for the criminal trial of Chris Hall, a fictitious high school student charged with possession of a controlled substance in the upcoming National High School Mock Trial Championship scheduled for May 10-13 in Omaha, Nebraska.

The Tinian High School Mock Trial team was named the CNMI High School Mock Trial Championship team during the regional CNMI competition held recently and will represent the CNMI at the national level.

On March 30 and 31, six teams from high schools on Saipan, Tinian and Rota prosecuted and defended Kit Carson, a fictional young mother charged with shaking her baby to death.

As the student attorneys presented their cases and examined other student witnesses tensions mounted. Each team prosecuted Ms. Carson in one round and defended her in another round.

It was obvious to everyone in the packed courtrooms that the students had worked hard learning the facts of the case, the rules of evidence and trial techniques. Objections to evidence and arguments on the merits of those motions flowed from the students as if they were experienced trial attorneys. Witness portrayals brought tears to the eyes of the spectators and attorney arguments were powerful.

Each team of attorneys and witnesses was scored by a panel of practicing attorneys in each of the preliminary rounds. After two rounds of trials, Tinian High School and Marianas Baptist Academy, each of which had won both its preliminary rounds, went to the championship round.

Alex Munson, NMI Federal District Court Judge, presided over the championship round, ruling on objections and evidence. The scoring panel was made up of seven attorneys, including Bar Association President Ramona V. Manglona and Attorney General Herb Soll. After the juror ballots were counted, Tinian High School was named the CNMI Mock Trial Championship team.

Tinian High School will now go on to represent the Commonwealth at the 18th Annual National High School Mock Trial Championships in Omaha, Nebraska on May 10 through 13.

This will be the second time for Tinian High School to represent the CNMI at the National level; the team represented the CNMI at Nationals in South Carolina last year.

The Tinian team members comprise of Chester Hinds, teacher coach, Lucy Blanco-Maratita, attorney coach, and the following students: Farah Cabrera, Anthony Aguon, Patricia Aguon, Grace Cing, Joanna Dela Cruz, Natasha Diaz, Jaimelynn Famaw, and Nathaniel Menez.

“I am truly proud of these students,” said attorney coach Blanco-Maratita. “They were very committed to learning and improving themselves. This is a great opportunity for our students to learn about our legal system and about time management, effective listening, and working as a team. These are important skills that we hope will help prepare them for college and adulthood.”

Individual awards were also given to: Tina Kroul from Marianas High School for Most Effective Defense Attorney; Grace Cing of Tinian High School for Most Effective Defense Witness; Ramona Concepcion from Marianas Baptist Academy for Most Effective Prosecution Attorney, Joana Simao from Marianas High School, Honorable Mention as Prosecution Attorney; Justin Roland from Mt. Carmel as Most Effective Prosecution Witness; and, Pia Rose Aguon from Mt. Carmel, Honorable Mention as Prosecution Witness.

Although only one team can go on to represent the Commonwealth in the National Championship, all the teams and students are winners in this competition. “I have had the privilege to observe and work with these students over the past two to three years. Their growth amazes me, their potential is unlimited, and they inspire hope for our future,” says Sheila N. Trianni, the CNMI Bar Association Mock Trial coordinator.

The High School Mock Trial Program is coordinated by the CNMI Bar Association and funded by the Association with community support. DFS and Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc. made generous cash donations.

The CNMI Superior Court, National Office Supply, Sugar Dock Market, Pizza Hut, Subway, Bobby Cadillac’s, Coca-Cola Beverage Co., Tinian Dynasty, Hyatt, Hard Rock Café and Pacific Islands Club made valuable in-kind contributions. Donations are still being accepted for the CNMI’s participation in the national event.