Last week, February 2-7, the Morro Bay High School Mock Trial team journeyed to the San Luis Obispo Courthouse to compete in the Countywide competition. The competition began Saturday morning and continued with trials on Tuesday and Thursday of last week.
The Defense team competed first against the Prosecution team of Paso Robles High School. MBHS Defense left with both a victorious trial (Defendant found not guilty!) and won the competition with higher scores by the attorney judges as well. Notable performances included those by witness Chase Kautz and attorney Taylor Joller, who received the Most Valuable Opponent Award. In the afternoon, the MBHS Prosecution team went head to head against the previous winners of the county competition: San Luis Obispo High School. Though MBHS argued valiantly, SLOHS ultimately took the win. Kinley Flaherty, the Pre-Trial attorney for Prosecution took home the Most Valuable Opponent Award.
MBHS Prosecution competed for the final time on Tuesday against Atascadero High School’s Defense Team. With one trial under their belt, MBHS showed considerable improvement and barely lost the score to Atascadero. Freshman Curtis Bradley and Junior Michael Blanchard both had notable performances, and show promising potential for next year’s Mock Trial team.
On Thursday, MBHS journeyed yet again to the Courthouse, this time for the Defense to compete against Coast Union High School’s Prosecution team. The battle was long, and MBHS fought hard with increasing objections and passionate arguments. Freshman Eli Bell had a particularly standout performance in Pre-Trial, but in the end, Coast Union scored slightly higher.
MBHS Mock Trial will remember Seniors Taylor Joller, Grace Hotaling, Chase Kautz, Abby Fugle, Audrey McClish, Ellena Korisheli, Eric Enamorado, Lily Morris, and Kinley Flaherty as some of the founding members and wishes them luck as they continue to use their debate skills and keen senses for justice after High School. Seniors would like to give a special thanks to Teacher Coach Mr. Mammarella for helping establish the team last year and for his wise words and continuous support.
The team is hopeful for even greater success next year, with increased experience and understanding of Mock Trial. There is truly a place for everyone in Mock Trial, with roles ranging from Lead Attorney to Baliff to Timer. If you are interested in joining the team, stop by room 401 to learn more or sign up at the beginning of next school year.
