Rhinelander Mock Trial Team Advances to Nationals

MADISON, April 4, 2005 – A team of eight students from Rhinelander High School took first place in the 22nd annual Wisconsin High School Mock Trial Tournament sponsored by the State Bar of Wisconsin. This year marks the 11th time Rhinelander High School has taken first place state honors. The Rhinelander team will represent Wisconsin at the National Mock Trial Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina in May.

"The mock trial competition helps to develop and test critical thinking and public speaking skills while exposing students to the atmosphere of a real life legal situation," said Charles "Chuttie" Senn, State Bar of Wisconsin Law-related Education Committee Chair. "During the tournament these students hone their skills and participate as witnesses and lawyers in a case."

Rhinelander High School won the state championship after competing against La Cross Central High School before justices of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. In 2004, Rhinelander finished 2nd overall at the National High School Mock Trial Championship which was held in Orlando, Florida. This year's Rhinelander Mock Trial Team, under the direction of teacher Kathy Vick-Martini, consists of Riley Catlin, Amy Ferguson, Eric Hanson, Ben Kinney, Dakota Moe, Jacqui Stavis, Jean Westerhaus and Alex Zarley.

The sixteen high schools participating in this year's regional competition include:
Region 1 – Eau Claire: Regis High School; Region 2 – Wausau: D.C. Everest High School; Region 3 – Green Bay: Green Bay East High School; Region 4 – Wisconsin Rapids: River Valley High School; Region 5 – Appleton: Xavier High School; Region 6 – La Crosse: La Crosse Central High School; Region 7 – Madison: Madison West High School; Region 8 – Sheboygan: Sheboygan County Christian; Region 9 – Janesville: East Troy High School; Region 10 – Milwaukee: Shorewood High School; Region 11 – Hudson: River Falls High School; Region 12 – Rhinelander: Rhinelander High School; Region 13 – Juneau: Plymouth High School; Region 14 – Waukesha: Brookfield Academy; Region 15 – Racine: Saint Catherine's High School; and Region 16 – Sturgeon Bay: Sturgeon Bay High School.

Last year more than 1,800 students participated in the Mock Trial Tournament. Students represented both public and private schools from all over Wisconsin. Regional competitions are held across the state in February to determine which teams advance to the state competition held in March. Teams of 6-12 students argue a case before a panel of three mock trial judges selected from a roster of actual judges and attorneys. The Mock Trial Tournament operates with assistance from hundreds of volunteers in local communities including attorneys, judges and coordinators of the program. Participation of the Wisconsin Supreme Court is one of the highlights of the program.

The State Bar of Wisconsin is the mandatory professional association, created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, for attorneys who hold a Wisconsin law license. With more than 21,000 members, the State Bar aids the courts in improving the administration of justice, provides continuing legal education for its members to help them maintain their expertise, and assists Wisconsin lawyers in carrying out community service initiatives to educate the public about the legal system and the value of lawyers.

For more information, visit www.legalexplorer.com.

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