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Mock Trial Team Heads To State
Written by Megan Middleton, CISD Communications & Marketing
Jan. 27, 2016
Toiya Smith, a North Crowley junior who serves as the team’s
“president attorney,” is in her second year on the team. The team did not qualify
for state last year, which made this year’s success even sweeter.
“It makes me really proud to see we’ve improved over last
year,” she said. “It’s nice to know your time and effort pays off.”
Participating in mock trial means hours of preparation and studying, including on the weekend. Students in mock trial serve in various courtroom roles and must know the proper criminal court procedures, including prepping for the pre-trial phase, conducting opening and closing statements and making sure they have the necessary evidence to present a case.
Two professional attorneys, Elan Longstreet and Matthew Jackson, have partnered with the Crowley ISD team to volunteer their time and expertise to help prepare students for competitions. Ms. Longstreet often drives more than an hour from Rockwall to help the Crowley team.
Having these two professionals volunteer their time means a lot to the students, Smith said.
“That’s probably the best part of mock trial,” she said. “It touches my heart. They don’t have to do this. It gives you even more motivation because they are so dedicated to us.”
YMCA Youth and Government is a statewide civic education and
leadership program in which schools, civic organizations and YMCA organizations
offer hands-on learning experiences, according to the YMCA website.
Smith said taking part in mock trial is not only giving her a glimpse at a career in law, but it is also teaching her the value of working hard.
“You realize how much work it takes to be good at something,” she said. “It helps me in other areas of school as well.”
Crowley ISD team members include:
President Attorney Toiya Smith
Vice President Attorney Kennedy Thomas
Attorney Angelica Melendez
Attorney Christina Gonzales
Attorney Jada Ihebibike
Attorney Aisha Dharmadi
Witness Evan Miller
Witness Destiny Wright
Bailiff Tyreke Goodman