The BSM Mock Trial team has made a big name for themselves, and they are proud to return for another season this school year. It’s a big year for Mock Trial as the number of participants has increased substantially. With a club hosting 7-12th grade students, BSM Mock Trial has a huge standard to live up to.
The Mock Trial members have been waiting in suspense since last fall of 2023 and finally got the official 2024 case assigned on October 31. The case examines a fake criminal offense story, challenging a potential second-degree murder. After discussing with fellow members of the team, the reactions have come out pretty positive. “I like that it’s a murder because it makes it more interesting and fun, and I think it drew in more people to do mock trials,” said sophomore Violet Grendahl.
This year in particular, Mock Trial has seen some substantial changes. The biggest adjustment being Spanish teacher Mary Murray returning for another season as co-coach. “I actually was not planning on coming back, but I love Mock [Trial] so much, and I had a lot of people ask me to come back,” Murray said.
Participating in Mock Trial since her 8th grade year, senior Audrey Howell is proud to announce she will now be the newest team captain for the 2024-2025 season, alongside Al Brown and Liya Elias. She hopes to make a great impact on the team, spreading collaboration and teaching participants hard-work ethic. “I hope that we’re able to create an environment where everyone is actually paying attention and is present and collaborating,” Howell said.
In all, team dynamics throughout the years have made up a great part of BSM’s background. Accompanying students of all backgrounds and diverse cultures, BSM Mock Trial continues to welcome a diverse variety of students. “Mock trial has always been a community where we have had a variety of students. We have a diverse background,” Murray said.
Mock Trial has big plans for this season after qualifying for state in the 2023-2024 season. If the team continues to practice hard, hopefully, great achievements will be accomplished this year. “I really hope that we are a part of [the] state [tournament]. It was super fun the last few years that I’ve been a part of it,” Howell said.
On a final note, students plan to describe this season of Mock Trial as one for the books. With an intriguing case and a welcoming community, BSM students cannot wait to see the outcomes of the 2024-2025 season. Although it may be overlooked, BSM Mock Trial hopes to encourage future members for years to come. “It may sound kind of weird and nerdy, but mock trial is a super fun thing to do, especially once you get involved in it,” Howell said.