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HS Mock Trial competition next week
Kagman High School students focus intently while practicing in a courtroom at the Guma’ Hustisia. Teacher Coach Chellette San Nicolas watches in the jury box, while at the far table Allison Arellano listens to a witness’s testimony. From left to right, Steffany Calantog, Kaelani Dela Cruz, and Dionessis Valdisimo sit at the near table. (Contributed Photo)
On Feb. 11 and 12, high school students from Rota, Tinian, and Saipan will go to court to participate in the 18th Annual CNMI High School Mock Trial Competition. Students will try a case before a mock judge and jury, reenacting the roles of attorneys, plaintiff, the defendant, and witnesses.
Each team will participate in four trials over the two-day period at the Guma’ Hustisia. At the conclusion of the fourth round of trials, the top two teams will go head-to-head in a championship round scheduled for Feb. 12 at 3:30pm. The winner of that round will represent the CNMI at the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Boise, Idaho in May.
The teams have been diligently working with their teacher and attorney coach volunteers since last fall. In addition to their training and practice sessions, the students attended the Mock Trial Academy held at the Guma Hustisia last December.
The competition affords students the opportunity to develop basic life and leadership skills, such as active listening, speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork, while increasing their knowledge of the judicial system and the law. In fact, past participants of the mock trial program have returned to the CNMI after college and are currently practicing attorneys, business leaders, and classroom teachers.
The competition, a joint effort of the Judiciary, CNMI Bar Association, and Public School System, receives additional financial support from the executive and legislative branches and various community donors.
For further information, contact Sheila N. Trianni, Mock Trial coordinator at 236-9891. (PR)
