LinkedinNATIONAL COMPETITION TESTS TUCSON STUDENTS’ LAW KNOWLEDGE
May 13, 2008
Contact: Lara Slifko (602)340-7235 
Print Press Release
NATIONAL COMPETITION TESTS TUCSON STUDENTS’ LAW KNOWLEDGE
University High School Represents Arizona in National High School Mock Trial Competition
[PHOENIX, AZ] –After a first place finish in the Arizona State High School Mock Trial Competition last month, Tucson’s University High School spent the weekend in Wilmington, Delaware representing Arizona in the National High School Mock Trial Competition. Students Parker Dunbar and Qian Tang were recognized for being outstanding witnesses.
University High School’s team, coached by Ms. Barbara Gray, was required to represent both sides of a case that involved a hostile corporate takeover. “These students display incredible confidence, poise and teamwork. It is always such a thrill to work with such students so passionate about the law, but more than that – it’s an incredible honor”, said Susan Nusall of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education. As Arizona’s High School Mock Trial State Coordinator, Ms. Nusall accompanied the University High School team to coordinate logistics and offer support.
Arizonans Ms. Danelle Liwski, an attorney with the Pima County Juvenile Courts, and Mr. Dewain D. Fox, of the Phoenix law office of Fennemore Craig, joined nearly 300 attorneys and judges from across the nation who volunteered to staff the event and judge the mock trials. “It is just so remarkable the commitment, time, and creativity these high school students give to represent their state at the National Competition. The level of talent seen by these students is just phenomenal, considering the short duration of time teams are given to put together a case while keeping up with the everyday activities of a high school student,” reflected Danelle Liwski, who served as a national judge at this year’s tournament.
University High School’s Mock Trial Team was represented by:
Students
Parker Dunbar
Bryan Tom
Marissa McIntyre
Qian Tang
Max Xiong
Jinni Trusko
Student Time Keepers
Kevin Keller
Eric Lehnhardt
Eric Lehnhardt
Teacher Coach
Ms. Barbara Gray
Attorney Coaches
Susan Shetter
Jan Wezelman
Peter Keller
About Arizona’s High School Mock Trial Program
Currently in its 24th year, the program offers students in grades 9 - 12 an opportunity to gain a first-hand view of the legal system by participating in a simulated trial. Through a partnership between the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education and the Young Lawyers Division of the Arizona State Bar, teams work closely with practicing attorneys as the students prepare for the tournament.
Teams consist of six to eight students who must learn both sides of a fictional case, playing both the roles of attorney and witness at trial. Annual regional tournament winners compete in a State Tournament with the State Champion advancing to the National Tournament.
In addition to giving students a better understanding of the legal system, the Arizona High School Mock Trial Program increases awareness of the importance of law in our democratic society, strengthens understanding of fundamental rights under the U.S. Constitution and promotes increased confidence, poise, oral skills, and critical thinking skills
About the Foundation
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. The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education plays a leading role in preparing Arizona students for civic responsibility. The Foundation reaches more than 100,000 children each year by training teachers, school resource officers and probation officers about our laws, justice system and the foundations of democracy. It is also home of LawForKids.org, America’s first Web site dedicated to teaching students about the law.
For More Information
· Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education: http://www.azflse.org
· State Bar of Arizona Young Lawyers Division: http://www.myazbar.org/SecComm/Sections/YL/
- ### -