What’s recently happened?
Crown Point High School's Mock Trial Team has punched its ticket to the Regional competition for the first time in the school's history. Despite stiff competition, the team managed to clinch a spot among the top 10 contenders in the Region.
“This will mimic court proceedings in a real courtroom for the first time and put my future career path into perspective. Competing for the first time in a mock trial was both thrilling and informative. As we went through each round, our team improved and perfected our strategies throughout the competition,” Senior Member Amani Aman said.
Despite being newcomers to the mock trial scene, the team has demonstrated a solid understanding of legal procedures and courtroom etiquette. The team’s ability to construct coherent arguments and present evidence effectively has earned them recognition among its peers and judges alike.
As the season concludes, the Crown Point High School community celebrates the Mock Trial Team's accomplishments and looks forward to continued success in the years to come. The team's journey serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that even in their first competition, they have established themselves as contenders to be reckoned with in the legal advocacy arena.
What’s coming up?
As the spring semester unfolds, juniors at Crown Point High School are embarking on a journey of academic preparation and personal growth as they ready themselves for the SATs. With the test dates fast approaching, students are investing their time and energy into rigorous study sessions, practice exams, and strategic planning to ensure they perform their best on test day.
For many juniors, the SAT represents a significant milestone in their high school careers, serving as a crucial component of college admissions. Recognizing the importance of achieving competitive scores, students are taking proactive steps to familiarize themselves with the exam format, content, and pacing.
In addition to classroom instruction, many students are taking advantage of supplemental resources, such as SAT prep courses, tutoring services, and online practice platforms. These resources offer personalized support and targeted practice opportunities, allowing students to pinpoint areas of weakness and focus their efforts accordingly.
Ultimately, the SATs represent an opportunity for Crown Point High School juniors to showcase their academic abilities and take an important step toward their future aspirations. With hard work, perseverance, and the support of their school community, they are poised to rise to the occasion and excel on test day.
Staff spotlight:
At Crown Point High School, Matthew Barno is not just a social studies teacher; he is also a catalyst for student engagement and empowerment. Barno made a pivotal decision to sponsor the Mock Trial Club, breathing new life into the extracurricular landscape and providing students with a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of the legal system.
Barno's journey to sponsoring the Mock Trial Club is rooted in his passion for both education and the law. With a background in social studies and a keen interest in civics, he recognized the potential of mock trials as a vehicle for experiential learning and critical thinking development.
“Mock Trial had a rocky beginning, but Barno was able to not only motivate us but help us succeed. He gave us constructive criticism that only encouraged us to do better. Throughout the entire season of preparing, Mr. Barno was able to teach us the importance of usable courtroom procedure,” Sophomore Dalia Aman said.
Beyond the courtroom, Barno serves as a mentor and role model for his students, instilling in them a sense of confidence, integrity, and civic responsibility. His dedication to their growth and development extends far beyond the confines of the classroom, as he actively seeks out opportunities for them to showcase their talents and achieve their goals.
Student spotlight:
In a recent mock trial competition, Crown Point High School's Avery Moore stood out, securing the prestigious Best Attorney Award and leaving an indelible mark on the courtroom. Moore's stellar performance showcased not only a deep understanding of the law but also an extraordinary ability to advocate persuasively and with conviction.
“I wanted to join Mock because it’s my dream in life to be a lawyer someday, and Mock Trial felt like a feasible option to help me achieve that goal,” Moore said.
The Best Attorney Award is a testament to Moore's dedication, preparation, and the honing of critical skills required in the legal field. Moore's success in the mock trial is not only a personal achievement but also a source of pride for Crown Point High School and a testament to the quality of the school's mock trial program.
“I was very surprised when I won best attorney. I was flattered, and it further encouraged me to try my hardest to achieve my goal of one day being a real-life lawyer,” Moore said.
As Moore continues to excel in the mock trial arena, the recognition as the best attorney will undoubtedly open doors to new opportunities and experiences. Moore's success not only solidifies a place among the best but also elevates the reputation of Crown Point High School's mock trial program on a broader stage. The future looks promising for this talented and determined young legal advocate.