This past weekend, both Notre Dame Mock Trial teams competed at the State Competition held in Lexington. After logging more than 180 hours, both teams had a great showing and should be so proud of how they finished their season. The Navy team finished the weekend placing 9th in the State. In the earlier rounds, the Navy team was so outstanding that they were leading in 1st and 2nd places. The last round proved to be a challenge but they were so comparable to the competition. Members include Holly Steimer, Clara Heberling, Grace Van Hook, Emma White, Gabrielle White, Phoebe Desch, Teagan Kruer, Kierstin Suedkamp, and Juliana Von Wahlde Mendez. Congratulations Navy!
The Gold team finished the weekend in 4th place. The Gold team also had a strong showing and had the highest competition score out of any team (this means they consistently faced the most difficult teams in the state round after round). Gold even beat last year’s National Champions during Round 2! Members include Mia Bishop, Caroline Boehmer, Kira Kent, Mia Kent, Ava Middendorf, and Elissa Romer. Congratulations Gold!
At the State Competition, Outstanding Witness and Outstanding Attorney Awards are given to those that score in the top ten in the state. Clara Heberling, Junior from the Navy team, was awarded an Outstanding Witness Award placing 7th in the state. Senior Ava Middendorf, from the Gold team, was awarded an Outstanding Witness Award placing 3rd in the state and was awarded an Outstanding Attorney Award, placing 1st in the state. NDA was well represented this weekend!
A Special shout out to our 7 Seniors who we miss terribly next year and who have been such a huge part of making our Mock Trial Team successful. Also a special thanks to Jamie Collins, fearless leader and coach, for all the time he has dedicated to the team over the last three years and to teacher moderator, Mrs. Angie Middendorf for her dedication to the program over the last two years. The parents deserve a huge THANK YOU also for all the endless hours of driving around and the hours spent in courtrooms on hard wooden benches. The support you show us through offering snacks and dinners and cheering us on round after round is invaluable and we feel the love and support!
