Sylvan Hills competed in The Arkansas Bar Mock Trial Competition this weekend held at the Federal Courthouse in Little Rock. The Pulaski County School District has never had a school represent itself at this competition until this weekend, when Sylvan HIlls did just that. In preparation for this event, students from Sylvan Hills spent countless hours learning the rules of courtroom procedures, and law, including objections, responses, rules of evidence, and their exceptions.
The team had to play the role of prosecutors and defense, alternating for each round. They were given a trial, and all of the witness statements and evidence involved. Students also played the roles of the witnesses.
The SHHS team had a total of 7 lawyers, and 6 witnesses. The following students participated:
Mark Smith, Ashton Parker, Khennedi Boykins, Adrianne Alexander, Chloe Cathey, Nadia Perkins, Asia Jackson, Ahaziah Kirkwood, Jaiden Bridgers.
These students won the following awards: Star Awards for Attorneys: Khennedi Boykin, Mark Smith – 3 Star Awards, Star Awards for Attorneys: Jaiden Briders, Chloe Cathey, Asia Jackson – 2 Star Awards
The judges were impressed with our students, noting that they had no idea that our students were a new team, as our students did not act like beginners but more like seasoned competitors. Judges commented that our team was extremely cohesive and handled themselves professionally in opposition to other teams who were cited for unprofessionalism. All of the judges commented on how Mark Smith was a guiding force on his team, and one judge (who served on the Arkansas Supreme Court) stated that if she were a law professor, she would want Mark Smith as her student.
Club sponsor Ms. Alaquinez said, “We learned a great deal and were privileged to represent Sylvan Hills.”
Many judges, who practice law or serve in courts locally, were excited to hear that more local teams were competing. Every judge stressed that this activity is one of the top two events nationally for students interested in a professional career in law. The other event is Debate.
If you see one of these students in the hall, congratulate them on their success. And if you have any interest, be sure to enquire into how you can get involved.
