University High School to Compete at Mock Trial Nationals

April 08, 2008
Contact: Lara Slifko (602)340-7235
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For Immediate Release         For   more information, contact:
April 8, 2008                             Lara Slifko 602-340-7235
                                                   [email protected]
 
                                                                                             
 University High School Wins State high school Mock Trial Tournament
 
(Phoenix, AZ) – Tucson’s University High School took first place at the State Tournament on Saturday April 5, 2008 at the Sandra Day O’Connor Federal Courthouse.  University High School also took in 2nd and 4th place, with Northland Preparatory taking 3rd.  As the State Champion, University will represent Arizona at the National High School Mock Trial Tournament in Wilmington, Delaware in May. 
 
Individual award winners were as follows:
 All State Team (Nominated by multiple judges for outstanding performances):
  • Keven Keller -University High School, Tucson
  • Emma Wohl- University High School, Tucson
  • Logan Dwyer-Northland Preparatory Academy, Flagstaff
  • Brittany Yarbrough- Arizona School for the Arts, Phoenix
  • Bill Brotherton- Central High School, Phoenix
  • Amanda Levendowski - Xavier High School, Phoenix
  • Jinni Trusko – University High School, Tucson
 
Courtroom Artist Contest Winners
  • Region 7- Caitlin Rynn - Northland Preparatory Academy
  • Region 3 – Issac Coen – Mountain Ridge High School
  • State Champion – Stephanie White – University High School (also Region 6 winner)
 
The program is sponsored by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, in partnership with the State Bar of Arizona’s Young Lawyer Division. The rounds are presided over by judges from courtrooms all over Arizona. Over 75 judges and attorneys from around the state participated in the state competition alone, bringing their legal expertise to the participants through constructive criticism after each trial. 
 
The competing teams were the highest ranking among over 70 teams that competed in seven regional competitions across the state on March 8th.  University High School will advance to the National Mock Trial Competition in Wilmington, Delaware in May.
 
             
About Arizona’s Mock Trial Program
Mock Trial gives students interested in law, public speaking, or even performing arts opportunity to learn from practicing attorneys and attorneys have an opportunity to share their legal expertise and skills. Mock Trial teams consist of six to eight students, a teacher/coach, and an attorney/coach. Each team must learn both sides of a fictional case and play the roles of both attorneys and witnesses. Teams work together to learn the facts of the case and create strategies for trial.  This year’s case is a civil rights case for the violation of the Plaintiff’s freedom of religion.
 
 The goals of the Arizona High School Mock Trial Program are to give students a better understanding of the legal system - from the rules of evidence to proper court decorum, increasing their awareness of the importance of law in a democratic society and strengthens understanding of their fundamental rights under the U.S. Constitution, and to promote increased confidence, poise, oral skills, critical thinking skills and teamwork skills.
 
About the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education
The Foundation provides technical and financial assistance to legal aid organizations, schools and community groups working toward “access to justice for all Arizonans” through law-related education and free legal services and by promoting statewide collaborative efforts.
 
Helpful Websites:
·         Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education: http://www.azflse.org
·         Arizona Mock Trial: www.azflse.org/mocktrial
·         National Mock Trial: www.nationalmocktrial.org
 
 
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