Members of mock trial from Cranberry High School this year include: Lucas Blum (from left), Alaina Olson, Ellabay Perry, Hannah Niederriter, Alaina Hogue, Brooke Whitling, and Trevor Olson. (Photo contributed by Gayle Mitchell, gifted teacher at Cranberry High School)
By DEVIN ZERBE
Student contributor
Cranberry High School advanced to districts in the Mock Trial competition following a recent win that left CHS as victors over Grove City and Fort LeBoeuf. This is Cranberry’s sixth year participating as one of over 600 Mock Trial teams in Pennsylvania, but it is the first time for them competing virtually over Zoom.
Mock Trial is a competition designed to simulate an actual court trial. In November, students are given either a civil or criminal case and are tasked with developing this case until the actual competition begins in January. These students act as both attorneys and witnesses while walking through the entire procedure of an actual trial.
The cases are presented in front of actual legal professionals, including real judges and attorneys. These professionals both judge and give feedback on the presentations.
Mock Trial is also a rewarding experience for the students who are involved in it. According to gifted support teacher Gayle Mitchell, Mock Trial is “a great way to work on speaking, writing, comprehension, critical thinking, and problem solving.”
Cranberry’s team competed at districts Wednesday, Feb. 24, winning against Northwestern, then losing to Meadville by 2 points.
Devin Zerbe is a student at Cranberry High School and a member of Cranberry Chronicles, the school’s journalism/publications class.
