Gene Franchini Mock Trial Team Places Third in National Competition

Ahigh school mock trial team from New Mexico placed third in a 46-team national competition held virtually from Evansville, Ind., from May 13-15. Winning four trials against teams from New Hampshire, North Carolina, Idaho and Washington, a team from Albuquerque Academy fell one scoring judge ballot short of competing in the championship round. Megan Blackwell received an outstanding witness award, and courtroom artist Mason Porch from La Cueva High School placed fourth. Courtroom journalist Caribbe Jaime from Onate High School (winner of the state courtroom journalist competition) also participated. The awards ceremony included a recorded statement by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barret, whose children have participated in high school mock trial.

After cancellation of the 2020 state and national competitions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual format was developed using Zoom. The successful completion of a 25-team 2021 qualifier and state competitions and the national competition is a testament to the perseverance and ingenuity of all of the students, teacher and attorney coaches, and competition administrators involved. The state championship and national championship trials can be viewed on YouTube.

Congratulations go out to Team New Mexico, including teacher coaches Joaquin Sanchez and Clint Ewell and the following students: Rosa Bieber-Stanley, Roman Martinez, Megan Blackwell, Noah Vigil, Daniel Shapiro, Reeya Patel, Marly Fisher, and Mason Porch (courtroom artist).