Buchholz Mock Trial team brings home trophies

Press release from Buchholz High School

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – From March 9-11, 15 high schools from Florida competed in four rounds of the Florida High School Mock Trial Competition at the Orange County Courthouse. 

Buchholz High School sent a team of eight: three attorneys, three witnesses, and two timekeepers. Each attorney and witness had to be prepared to play two characters, depending on whether the team was on the Prosecution or the Defense in a given round. Attorneys were responsible for opening and closing statements, as well as examination of their witnesses and cross-examination of the opposing team’s witnesses. 

Buchholz made their debut at Mock Trial after not having a team for several years. Overall, Buchholz came in 6th place of 15 teams, losing only one round to the team that came in second overall, Everglades Preparatory Academy from Homestead, Florida.

The team was able to bring home two trophies: one for a Team Professionalism Award and a second for Outstanding Witness, the latter won by team member and team President Veronica Brown. The other team members were Attorneys Noel Cosat, Delaney Rodkin, and Jacob Ascher; Witnesses Sophia DeFaria and Bryce Gillingham; and Timekeepers Casey Bauer and Emily Vij. Of note, Bryce was an alternate who found out he was replacing another teammate at the last minute, and he did an outstanding job. 

The team was led by Attorney Coach Adam Stout, Parent Coach Jennifer Sager, and Faculty Sponsor Jessica Morey. The team thanks all of the law firms who supported the team this year and also the Alachua County Courthouse for lending us a courtroom for practice. We plan to do even better next year!