After months of dedicated preparation, the Pacific Grove High School’s Mock Trial team secured second place in this year’s Lyceum Mock Trial competition. The team, made up of students taking on roles as attorneys, witnesses, court officials, and more, put in extensive practice to refine their arguments and courtroom skills. Their commitment was evident as they competed against different schools in the region, demonstrating strong legal knowledge and teamwork skills!
In the Superior Court of California, Monterey Division, the team faced several challenging rounds, where they presented their cases before real judges and experienced legal experts. Both the prosecution and defense teams put in extensive effort to examine evidence, construct compelling arguments, and think quickly, yet critically, when responding to objections. Their preparation process was thorough, involving long hours of research, memorization, practice trials, and strategic discussions to strengthen their courtroom efficiency. Every member contributed to the team’s overall success, and their dedication was evident in their outstanding performance.
Several students were recognized for their excellent contributions in the courtroom, highlighting their refined skills in their respective roles. Micah Orozco was honored with an award for his performance as bailiff showcasing his ability to maintain order in the court and ensure proper procedure was followed. Vivian Ming also earned her recognition for her role as a prosecution attorney, demonstrating strong legal reasoning, persuasive argumentation, and confidence under pressure. Juniper Morris received the prestigious award for best clerk, recognized for her exceptional organization, attention to time, and precise handling of courtroom procedures. In addition to the team’s legal achievements, two courtroom artists, Sophia Spivey and Amy Kim, were acknowledged for their impressive illustrations capturing key moments of the trial. Sophia secured second place, earning a spot at the state competition, while Amy received third place for her detailed and expressive artwork.
Regarding the team’s outcome at the competition, presidents Vivian Ming and Yeva Yevdash shared their thoughts: “[We’re] super proud of the team! Despite some hiccups, we swept most of the competition until the finals. It was amazing to see so many team members win awards this year. Second place now, first place soon!” and “we had less time than usual but still pulled through for second place, even performing better than the last two years. It’s all thanks to everyone’s hard work and dedication. I’m glad to have been captain this year.” Despite the tough competition against many other schools in the county, the team remained proud of their effort and dedication they had put forth. Jenna Hall, the team’s coach, and many other coaches, also agree with their sentiments and praised their hard work and perseverance each member displayed in perfecting their skills.
