Valparaiso is one of the few schools in Indiana where students can compete in speech, debate, and mock trial. As a brief background, Mock Trial is just what it sounds like, a mock trial on a criminal or civil case predetermined a few months before the competition.
This year’s case was a civil case about a dog attack at a dog show. The students prepared witness and attorney roles on both sides of the case. The cases are based on actual cases and students use the federal rules of evidence.
Valparaiso is very fortunate to have Porter County Prosecutor Brian Gensel as the head coach assisted by Judge Phil Simon, Judge John Martin, Attorney Andrew Lucas, Attorney Rebecca Buitendorp, Attorney John Peluso, and Attorney Ryan Rowan.
Valparaiso High School had five teams compete at the regional Mock Trial competition at the federal courthouse in Hammond recently and two teams advanced to the state competition in Indianapolis. Both teams placed in the top 10 with one advancing to the National Mock Trial Tournament.
The National qualifying team, Furry Fury, consisting of Kelly Adams, Alyssa Dillon, Tess Galbiati, Luma Khabbaz, John Kotynski, Mandy Ploetz, Clare Simon, and Gavin White will attend the competition in May at Indianapolis.
Photos:
- Mock Trial National Qualifiers: Standing (left to right): Mandy Ploetz, Alyssa Dillon, Tess Galbiati, Clare Simon, Luma KhabbazSeated (left to right): John Kotynski, Kelly Adams, and Gavin White
- Mock Trial State Qualifiers