Students at Cedar Tree Classical Christian School in Ridgefield participated at the mock trial district tournament in February and then went on to compete in the state tournament in March.
During the two-day district tournament at the Clark County Superior Courthouse in February, the school’s varsity team took first place.
A news release from the school stated senior Adelaide Bradley tied for first place for best attorney, while senior Erica Corey won first place for best witness. Senior Sarah Gourley tied for third place for best witness, while sophomore Eunice Radu tied for first place in the witness award in division two.
Other team members received nominations as well. They included seniors Timothy Bradshaw and Karl Miller for best attorney, while junior varsity team members Katie Marshbank, a sophomore, and freshman Haven Josburger were nominated for best witness.
With the district win, Cedar Tree’s varsity team earned an invite to state where senior Adelaide Bradley tied for the title of best attorney.
The state tournament was held from Friday, March 24 to Sunday, March 26 at the Thurston County Courthouse.
The top 24 high school mock trial teams from eight district events around the state competed for the opportunity to travel to one of two national competitions.
Volunteer attorneys and judges from around the state judge the trials and rate students on their courtroom skills and composure, the release stated.
The state mock trial tournament, which is a program of YMCA Youth and Government, “is a unique blend of law, debate and drama in which students learn about issues and court procedures while sharpening their critical thinking and public speaking,” stated the release.
