Mock Trial Team holds Awards Banquet and invites New Members

The Perrysburg Law & Government Explorer Post #2306 recently held its annual awards banquet to honor the graduation seniors and recognize students who have excelled in Mock Trial Competition. The Explorer Post was founded in Perrysburg in 2001 and since 2002 the students, mostly from Perrysburg High School, have competed in High School Mock Trial.

Students who engage in mock trial tend to improve their critical thinking, reading, writing, public speaking and listening skills. They also develop an understanding and appreciation for the law, court procedures and the judicial system, which becomes increasingly valuable as the students mature into adulthood. They further understand constitutional rights and responsibilities because almost all cases deal with some aspect of the U.S. Constitution.

The seniors who graduated include Ceimoani Bumrah, Emily Cottle, Lee Davenport, Megan Galle, Savannah Guy, Alex Katko, Mahnur Khan, Kaity Laumann, Alex Miller and Henry Yang.

The coaches also recognized Explorer Post members for special awards. Rookie of the Year went to Emma Viles for displaying outstanding skill and fortitude during her first year of high school mock trial competition.

Receiving the award for Best Witness is Henry Yang, who exhibited outstanding debate skills that advanced the interest of his team.

The Best Attorney award was a repeat for the first time in mock trial history. Will Robinson was again awarded Best Attorney due to his outstanding advocacy skills in mock trial competition.

Presented the Gibraltar Award was Mahnur Khan, who exemplified the loyalty and commitment to mock trial and the members of the Perrysburg mock trial teams.

The Backbone Award recognizes the Mock Trial team member who stands solid during mock trial competition even though they may face withering pressure from an opposing Attorney or Witness. Emily Cottle represents an outstanding example of Mock Trial members.

The Mock Trial team will meet at the YMCA on Eckel Junction Road to elect this year’s officers on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at 2:00 pm. High school students are encouraged to attend if they would like to join the team.

From left: Megan Galle, John P. Donahue Memorial Scholarship winner; Emma Viles, Rookie of the Year; Mahnur Khan, Gibralter Award; Emily Cottle, Backbone Award; Will Robison, Outstanding Attorney; not pictured Henry Yang, Outstanding Witness.