March 29, 2024
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Mock trial team takes 2 wins, 2 losses

HAMPDEN – The Maine State High School Mock Trial Championship team from Hampden Academy, with two wins and two losses, finished 28th out of 42 teams at the 25th annual National High School Mock Trial Championship May 8-11 in Wilmington, Del.

Teams from 39 states, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and South Korea competed in the national event. Each team competed in four rounds prior to the championship round.

Hampden Academy competed against teams from Michigan, which finished in second place; Arkansas, 30th place; Texas, 20th place; and New Mexico, fourth place.

Hampden defeated Arkansas and Texas, but lost to Michigan and New Mexico.

The championship was won by Jonesboro High School from Georgia, which bested Kalamazoo Central High School from Michigan in the finals for the second consecutive year.

This year’s competition was based on a hypothetical hostile takeover of one corporation by another. Students played attorneys and witnesses; conducted opening statements, closing arguments, direct and cross-examinations; and made evidentiary objections.

Emily Tarbell-Reynolds and Kristina King were recognized as outstanding performance winners in attorney roles.

Rachel Lawler and Tao Mason were recognized as outstanding performance winners in witness roles.

The students were treated to a boat tour of the Port of Delaware under tight security and to a fireworks display.

Hampden Academy team members participating in the national championship were Jessikah Hackett, Rachel Lawler, Kristina King, Jacob Cravens, Tao Mason, Jason Hamilton, Savannah Sargent and Emily Tarbell-Reynolds.

In addition to those competing at the nationals, the team included Jennifer Wilson, Rylee Rawcliffe, Katie Plowman, Heidi Harrison, Jack Swalec, Ryan Asalone, Victoria Gower, Tessa Wood, Sarah Coston, Elena Cravens, Jennifer Dixon, Tom Hoffman, Monique Kelmenson, Jake Marsh and Michaela Stephenson.

Kathryn King is the team’s teacher coach. Attorney coaches are Bill Devoe of the law firm of Eaton Peabody in Bangor and Jim McCarthy, an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Bangor.

The Maine high school mock trial program has been in existence since 1992 and is sponsored by the Maine Bar Association.

Goals of the mock trials are:

. To promote greater understanding and appreciation for the law, court procedures and the American judicial system.

. To improve basic life skills, such as critical thinking, reading, speaking and advocacy.

. To improve communication and cooperation among key community members, including schools, educators, government leaders, professionals in the legal community and citizens.

. To heighten appreciation for the principle of equal justice for all.

. To promote an awareness of current legal issues.

. To promote the exchange of ideas among students throughout the United States and beyond, while providing a rewarding and memorable experience of interaction.


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