A group of 14 students from Cadillac High School and Mesick High School recently participated in a mock trial competition in Suttons Bay, Michigan. On February 13, 2024, the Cadillac High School Mock Trial teams showcased their skills at the Northern Michigan Regional Competition hosted at the Leelanau County Courthouse.
Cadillac High School fielded two teams: Team A and Team B. Team A consisted of six students, including seasoned seniors Gabrielle Anderson, Erica Conradson, Lucy-Claire White, and Silas Ashley. They were joined by newcomers Savanah Ledger and Dominick Mulder. Team B had eight members, featuring veteran juniors Parker Mankiewicz and senior Wyatt English, who helped guide newcomers Brandon Lehto, Tayler Anderson, senior Ellie Johnson, Joelene Callsen, Lillian Mahan, and Brendan Box, a sophomore from Mesick High School.
Both teams engaged in three trials, presenting either the plaintiff’s or the defendant’s case in a fictional civil lawsuit involving The East Superior Residential Tower’s Homeowner’s Association against Apex Structural Engineering, Inc. and Metro Builders, LLC. The case revolved around allegations of breach of contract and negligence related to the construction of a 30-story residential tower. This mock trial scenario was inspired by a real-life event involving the Citicorp Center in New York in 1978.
Several participants earned accolades for their performances. Ashley, Mankiewicz, Lehto, Anderson, and Conradson received Star Attorney awards, while Conradson, Mankiewicz, Mahan, Ledger, and English were recognized with Star Witness awards.
Preparation for the competition was extensive. Students and their coaches, including judges Corey Wiggins and Jason Elmore, dedicated significant time to dissecting a complex case file that included 13 exhibits and intricate witness affidavits. Participants had to sift through the materials to extract relevant evidence, organize it effectively, and prepare to address objections during the trials. They crafted opening statements, closing arguments, and conducted direct and cross-examinations of six witnesses, all while adhering to strict time limits.
In addition to legal skills, participants enhanced their public speaking abilities, improving aspects such as eye contact, tone, volume, and physical presence in the courtroom. The experience also fostered teamwork and leadership skills among the students.
Reflecting on the competition, senior Ellie Johnson remarked that mock trial provided insight into courtroom proceedings from various perspectives. As team captain, Anderson shared her pride in the team’s performance, describing mock trial as a valuable experience throughout her high school years.
Ultimately, only one team from each regional competition advances to the state finals, and this year, the Cadillac teams did not secure a spot. Despite this outcome, the experience offered invaluable lessons and memories for the participants.
