Beaumont's Mock Trial Team Wins District Competition, Heads to Regionals

I think one of the most satisfying moments for a teacher is to see your students achieve success! I was blessed with this amazing experience this past Friday when my Mock Team was victorious in their efforts at the District Competition at the Old Courthouse. Both of our teams competed against Strongsville High School and both the Defense and the Prosecution were victorious in their matches, allowing us to advance to the next level, the Regional Competition.

Our first trial pitted Beaumont's Prosecution team against Strongville's Defense. Freshman, Claire Wolf and Senior, Caitlin McKiernan served as attorneys while Mia Rodio and Cidney Johnson played witnesses. Freshman, Mary O'Meara was the Bailiff and timekeeper for this trial and did a remarkable job. Competition seemed evenly matched and the awards for Outstanding Attorney and Outstanding Witnesses were split with Strongsville taking the award for Best Attorney and Mia Rodio unanimously received the highest points from all three judges for Outstanding Witness.

In our second trial Beaumont's Defense challenged a second team from Strongsville. Two of our veteran lawyers, seniors Molly McKiernan and Diamond Brooks dominated the trial with excellent performances throughout the proceedings. Our witnesses, Natalie Haddad and newcomer to the Mock Trial Team, Trinity Mixon also controlled the floor during their examinations. Freshman, Caitlyn Thompkins served as the Bailiff and Timekeeper during this trial and kept excellent control of the trial proceedings as well as the momentum of the trial. Beaumont dominated the entire trial and in the end both honors went to Beaumont with Diamond Brooks taking the Outstanding Attorney Award and Natalie Haddad walking away with the Outstanding Witness Award.

At the reception following the trials the excitement was filling the air in anticipation to hear which schools would be advancing to the Regional Competition. In order to advance, each team (Defense and Prosecution) needed to win their trials. As we anxiously waited, Beaumont School was called third as an advancing school. Screams of joy, hugs, and even a few tears were shed as Diamond Brooks accepted the certificate for Beaumont School. Needless to say, my heart swelled with pride as I watched our students in celebration of their achievement.

We will be competing on Friday, February 16th at the Regional Competition. With the help of St. Angela, the support of our Beaumont Community, and the skills of the Beaumont Mock Trial team we will give our best effort to bring home another victory at the next level.

Respectfully and Proudly,
Pat Mulhall and Kolleen Gregoria
Moderators of the Mock Trial Team