The Mock Trial teams at Genoa, Heritage and Walnut Springs middle schools came together at the City of Westerville’s City Council chambers on Thursday to practice for the upcoming Mock Trial competition.
The participating eighth-graders assumed various roles, including attorneys for the prosecution and defense, bailiffs, witnesses and researchers. Westerville North High School English teacher Zac Wilkerson — the Mock Trial advisor for teams at WNHS and Westerville South High School — served as the judge.
The students’ advanced eighth-grade social studies teachers — Blendon’s Tristen Henry, Genoa’s Leslie Thompson, Heritage’s Patrick Acocks, and Walnut Springs’ Liz Stokes — led the middle school extra-curricular program with building support as well as support from the Gifted Education Department.
Organizers extend a special thanks to the Westerville Clerk of Courts office for allowing the students a more realistic setting in which to prepare. Students will compete at the State Showcase taking place in Columbus at the Supreme Court of Ohio on April 27 (Heritage and Walnut Springs) and May 12 (Blendon and Genoa).
Learn more about the middle school Mock Trial program here.