Marymount High School’s very own Mock Trial had an amazing run this year. A program that enables students to fully demonstrate aggressive argumentative skills, Mock Trial provides participants a chance to learn about the legal system in an excitingly competitive environment. Partakers spend a month preparing for their cases, and then present them to real judges in the Los Angeles City Courthouse. Lawyers also volunteer as jurists to give points to the different teams. Each team then awards a member of the opposing team a certificate of commendation. Seniors Montana Wolper and Lauren Hilliard, and junior Julia Matthews won certificates throughout the club’s three competitions.

Students played a variety of different roles in the court, ranging from lawyers to bailiffs. Junior Sarah Burgess describes competing as a witness like “acting and improvisation.” However, it was her interest in law that caused her to join, “I really wanted to see how lawyers proceeded in court.”

Sophomore Kat Loscalzo says she joined Mock Trial because she “wanted to try something new and spontaneous,” and was pleasantly surprised because she grew to love the program. She learned that Mock Trial was also a great social opportunity. She says, “Although I love many things about Mock Trial, my favorite part about it is the amazing new friends I’ve made. You can become part of such a supportive team that guides you through its toughest moments.”

This ambitious co-curricular also allows students to pursue law as a career choice. “Although there are other things I am fascinated by at the moment, law is definitely one of my options. I love public speaking and arguing a point, and Mock Trial is the perfect place to do it,” says sophomore Olivia Dellums. She adds, “My favorite thing about Mock Trial is finally going to the court. It all comes together then and I feel like I do my best job there.”

Mock Trial allows students to gain self-confidence, insight, and an opportunity to interact with people they never thought they would talk to, much less compete with. All in all, Mock Trial provides a hodgepodge of assets that assist Marymount girls in becoming the strong, independent leaders they are meant to be. Well done, sailors!