The Reading Mock Trial Team advanced to the Quarterfinals of Ohio’s State Championship on Thursday, March 9. This finish marks the fourth time that the program advanced to the finals of OCLRE’s legal competition. To get there, Reading had to first defeat 6 time State Champion Indian Hill. They then bested Wheelersburg.
The defense team was anchored by two four-year seniors. Captains Grace Longworth and Reem Habli led the charge as attorneys while senior Emile Kidwell and Junior Krissy Bailey portrayed witnesses. Krissy was named an outstanding witness in the round.
The young prosecution side was led by freshmen Cameron Millette and Wiliam Moeggenberg. The team swept awards with Cameron winning the outstanding attorney award and junior Mia Hankerson winning the witness award. Alexa Massey added an incredible performance as Reading’s other defense witness.
The young team’s amazing run came to an end on the second day of the competition when they were defeated by Orange High school, a former state champion and perennial mock trial powerhouse. The future looks bright for this amazing team as they return all but three seniors next year. In addition to the State competitors, the team also includes sophomore Mackenzie Robinson and freshmen Lorena Zander, Ariel Baston, Ramata Anne and Eli Davis. The team is coached by Andy Janig, who has been at the helm for 26 years and John McClellan, who has been with the team for 6.