In only its second year, the RHS Mock Trial team has earned a place at the Ohio Mock Trial State Championship, which will take place March 7-9 at the Franklin County Courthouse. Ohio Mock Trial offers an innovative approach to learning the law and how the legal system functions. Guided by teachers and volunteer legal advisors, students participate in an original, unscripted simulated trial, arguing both sides of the case in real courtrooms across the state.

Attorneys — Senai Alem, Lauren Johnson, Nia McLaughlin, and Flyte Broyles

Witnesses — Kaitlyn Loyd, Amani McNair, Aditi Pyakurel, and Mohit Joshi

Timekeepers — Skylar Moorman and Rutendo Mukumba

RHS's advancement to the state championship is a huge deal. Not only are they the only school in the Columbus area to advance to this level of the competition, but they managed to do it in their second year as a team. Together, they will take on the top 30 Mock Trial teams in the state and will hopefully bring glory back to Reynoldsburg. When asked what they love about Mock Trial, both our Plaintiff and Defense lawyer teams had a lot to say.

Hello! I represent the plaintiff side on our Mock Trial team. I first joined the team last year (my sophomore year) and have grown to love it! One of the biggest things Mock Trial has helped me improve on is confidence. A lot of what you're graded on is your ability to remain calm under pressure and appear as though you are completely stoic as objections are thrown at you. The blend of public speaking, quick thinking, and attention to detail pushes me to improve my communication skills and confidence. 

Hello, I represent the defense side in this mock trial case. Last year, I joined Mock Trial (quite embarrassingly) because of a game called Ace Attorney. Since then, I have grown to love and enjoy both Mock Trial and the law astronomically more. Through this, I have learned a lot about the small things that make our society work the way that it does. Other than that, one of my favorite things about Mock Trial is the more theatrical aspect. From being able to craft my character as a witness last year to using improvisational skills as an attorney this year, this program has allowed my favorite things to intertwine. In just our second year, we were able to make it to States, and I am forever grateful for the bonds I have developed as a result. Although I am graduating and leaving the club this year, I know many great things will happen in our Mock Trial team's future!

Everyone at the District is incredibly proud of the team for making it to the state championship — so please join us in wishing them luck!