By Lexi MooreHills-Beaver Creek Mock Trial coach Glenda Kuehl conducted tryouts for the H-BC mock trial teams this year and said never before have so many H-BC students signed up to participate in the program.This year H-BC was able to form three full mock trial teams. Although only two teams are allowed to compete in the regional competitions, the third team makes preparing for competition easier and gives Coach Kuehl plenty of alternates.Superintendent David Deragisch said he’s pleased to have so many students interested in Mock Trial. "We are so fortunate that our students want to take part in Mock Trial," he said. "It really helps them prepare for their future and makes our program better."Understanding lawThe Minnesota High School Mock Trial Program helps students gain a practical understanding of the way the American legal system functions. Students exercise their critical thinking and teamwork skills by analyzing a fictional case, reasoning one side, making an oral presentation for their side and engaging in extemporaneous argument.Teams with 8-14 members compete against other teams in their region at two local trials held in local courthouses beginning in February. The top regional teams then participate in playoff rounds. The 12 regional winners advance to a state competition held in March.During the trials, local judges and attorneys evaluate students’ performances. The students are judged on their analysis and presentation skills, not on whether they win the legal case.The Minnesota State Bar Association gives teams a new case each year along with a list of resources which can be used to research the case details. The MSBA also helps link schools with legal professionals that are interested in lending their time and expertise. This year H-BC is working with Assistant State’s Attorney Randy Sample from the Sioux Fall area.He drives to Hills on Wednesday mornings to help the students prepare their case for the upcoming competitions.
