UKIAH, CA   ~   Three local high school teams; Fort Bragg, Laytonville, and Redwood Academy of Ukiah/Accelerated Achievement Academy began competition at the annual County Mock Trials, sponsored by the Mendocino County Office of Education (MCOE), at the County Courthouse in downtown Ukiah on Saturday, January 29, 2011.  After three rounds of semifinal competition concluded the morning of Saturday, February 5, the Laytonville High and Redwood Academy of Ukiah/Accelerated Achievement Academy teams emerged as the finalists this year.

The final trial was held in the auspicious Ukiah City Council Chambers, with a full house of parents and event supporters in attendance.  After an intense battle with numerous objections and powerful arguments, Deputy Superintendent of Schools Damon Dickinson for the second consecutive year announced Laytonville High School as this year’s winner, having narrowly defeated the Academies team.

This distinction earns Laytonville High the right to retain possession of the perpetual trophy for another year and to represent Mendocino County at the state competition in Riverside, March 25-27, 2011.

2011 MENDOCINO COUNTY STATE MOCK TRIAL TEAM

The County Mock Trial competition gives students the opportunity to experience the American judicial system first-hand.  Student teams argue both sides of a fictitious case developed by the Constitutional Rights Foundation, the statewide coordinators of this academic enrichment activity. 

The Laytonville High team continues to work with their Teacher Coaches Bruce Potter and Amy McHenry and Attorney Coach Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Norman to refine and improve upon their performance in preparation for state competition.  Fort Bragg High team member Kassandra Cauckwell, having won the Courtroom Artist component of the county competition, will be “adopted” by the Laytonville team and plans to compete in this category of the state competition as well.

Although MCOE is able to pay for team member registration fees and lodging expense, the school must still raise approximately $5,000 to cover student meals for three days and transportation costs.  Donations from interested supporters can be made payable to the Laytonville High State Mock Trial Team and sent to Laytonville High School, c/o Bruce Potter, P.O. Box 868, Laytonville, CA 95454.

Fort Bragg High (L-R) Front row:  Amy Harney, Kassandra Cauckwell, Makena Roach, Frances Fontanilla, Keily Becerra.  (L-R) Back row:  Sergio Fuentes, Attorney Coach Patrick Pekin, Attorney Coach Amanda Pekin, Elias Henderson, Lily Sugrue, Skyler Fein, Mallory Frazier, Marvin Parrish, Teacher Coach Connie Turrentine.