Sunday, March 21, 2010

CONGRATULATIONS to Hillsdale High School - California State Mock Trial Champions!

Congratulations to HILLSDALE HIGH SCHOOL for winning the California State Championship Mock Trial competition held this weekend in San Jose. Hillsdale competed with 40 other teams from around the State and came out on top, earning a trip to Philadelphia in May for the National competition.

Sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Mock Trial introduces high school students to the American legal system by having them serve as lawyers and witnesses in a "mock trial" -- a fictitious court case. A team of 20 students under the guidance of a teacher-coach and attorney-coach prepares their legal arguments and witness examinations, and then presents their case by competing against other schools in real Courtrooms while being judged by real Judges and lawyer.

The goal of mock trial is to help high school students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society.

To advance to the State Finals this weekend, Hillsdale finished first in the San Mateo County regional competition, beating out six other exemplary high school teams. In the State Finals, Hillsdale competed against the best teams from 40 other counties in California. A total of 8,000 high school students competed in Mock Trial all over California, and 20 students from San Mateo came out on top!

Congratulations again to the Mock Trial team of Hillsdale High School!

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