A group of students from Clarkston High School recently spent a lot of time in the Oakland County Circuit Court.
Under the instruction of John Zittle and Peggy Marko, the CHS Mock Trial Team competed in the first round of competition and placed fourth in the Eastern Regional’s. Now the team is going on to state finals. The students that participate must prepare for the state competion tournament.
The Mock Trial Team receives their case in December; then they must prepare to argue the case as the defense and prosecution against other schools. The students spend time after school and on weekends preparing. With the help of Zittle, Marko and three lawyer coaches ? Greg Townsend, Rob Novy and Bill Cataldo ? the students know their battle plans well.
This year’s civil case involves the wrongful death of a young man who contracted a fatal illness due to poisonous runoff from a local farm. The students involved each have their place on the team; and after rehearsals and training, these students are enjoying the experience.
‘I am the defense attorney on the team,? said senior Lyndsey Kitson. ‘This experience is one of a kind.?
Most of the participants have considered law for their future, and the volunteer attorneys feel they are doing a phenomenal job.
‘These kids are wonderful,? said Townsend, assistant prosecutor for Oakland County. ‘They have advanced so well and their ability to present is incredible.?
The students involved on the Mock Trial Team are seniors Lindsey Kitson, Lauren Doski and Jennifer Titsworth; juniors Jessica Rupright and Sarah Rankin; sophmores Zach Weiss, Dani Angeli and Jordan Bellant; and freshmen Tyler Boston, Kaitlyn Hassett and Laura Mason.
‘I am the plaintiff attorney and I have learned so many new things,? said Rankin. ‘I have learned more about public speaking and that will help me in the future.?
The students and instructors will continue to practice in preparation for the tournament finals.