It has been a whirlwind three weeks since Laytonville High School’s Mock Trial team learned of its chance to compete at State Competition as a “wild card” team. Though faced with an extremely short timeline, the team and the community rallied, and together, we made it happen!
After the overwhelming show of support from the community - including countless individual and group financial donations and fundraising efforts - 16 high school students, two coaches, and 4 parent chaperones traveled from Oakland Airport to Hollywood Burbank Airport between March 13-16. We took a harrowing ride on the LA Metro and public transit busses all the way to The Biltmore Hotel in Downtown LA, and starting on Friday evening, competed in 4 intense rounds of competition at LA’s Stanley Mosk Courthouse against Lake, Fresno, Orange, and Santa Cruz Counties, bringing home the “W” on multiple score sheets!
The competition included a pretrial argument based on the 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination, opening statements, witness testimony and evidentiary objections, and closing arguments. At the conclusion of the competition, we learned that out of the nearly 600 students at the competition, LHS sophomore Jonathan Guillen was awarded one of only 8 Outstanding Witness Awards for his portrayal of reporter Ali Sandoval!
The team also managed to have some fun, visiting a windy Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Grand Central Market, and dancing the night away at the competition “social event.” We are so proud of all of our students for their stellar performances, and their impeccable manners and behavior while traveling and representing our school district. It is safe to say that the team had a very successful year, and are very inspired to make it to State again in 2026!
Thank you so much to all of our supporters and well-wishers, we certainly could not have done it without your help.
Sincerely,
Emily Baize, Teacher Coach
Elina Agnoli, Attorney Coach