Perrysburg Court Explorer Post Take Second Place in 22d Annual State Mock Trial Competition

Perrysburg, Ohio – February 14, 2005 – The Perrysburg Court Explorer Post mock trial teams competed in the 22d annual state mock trial competition at two districts this past Friday.  Hundreds of students throughout the state of Ohio argued the case of Biotex Labs, LLC vs Animal Rights Foundation to a panel of judges.  Perrysburg team number one, who competed at the Findlay district, placed second behind the home town Findlay team.

Winning outstanding attorney awards are David Prephan and Lindsay Kilpatrick, who were perfect in direct and cross-examination.  Sohaib Hashmi, who became his character, Dr. P.K. Gupta, and Kevin Swiatek, who as the laid back animal rights organization founder, were recognized as outstanding witnesses.  Other team members are Alex Zavala, Michael O’Brien, Jenna Anderson, Sarah Donahue, Nick Bade and Angela Robinson.

In Bowling Green district, Perrysburg team number two also finished in runner up position to perennial mock trial power Archbold High School.  Ross Buchanan, who was awesome on cross-examination, and Danielle Jensen, who became an attorney a week before the competition, won outstanding attorney awards.  Paul Delaney was amazing as the outstanding witness on the defense.  Additional team members include Trent Dorner, Brett Samsen, Maria Dicke, Nick Prephan, Kari Campbell, Pamela Twu, Alifia Merchant, LiMin Hang, Kaitlin Burhans and Kelsey Campbell.

“I am immensely proud of these students. I consider it a privilege to work with them.  We will miss Ross, Sohaib and Paul who are seniors,” said Judge S. Dwight Osterud, advisor to the Perrysburg Court Law and Government Explorer Post.  “Credit has to go to John Donahue and Peter Casey, III, who contributed a large amount of their time and expertise to coach these students, and I know they are as delighted as I am to work with them,” Osterud said.  “It is interesting to note that, unlike other schools, these mock trial participants do not receive any school credit.  The hours spent in preparation is on their own time. They participate because it is fun.  I think this goes to show how the speech and debate program, and the theater department at Perrysburg High School contributes to other skills,” Osterud said.

Tom Schmidt, from Schmidt leasing, was very generous to us again this year by supplying transport vans.  Getting to the competition site safely is a concern of mine and we appreciate Tom’s help with that.

The mock trial competition is sponsored by the Ohio State Bar Association, the Ohio Attorney General, the Supreme Court of Ohio and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio Foundation. The competition is designed to improve basic skills such as critical thinking, listening, speaking and reading. Also, to develop a greater understanding and appreciation for the law, court procedures and the judicial system. Another goal is to increase understanding of our constitutional rights and responsibilities. Finally, to recognize students' academic and intellectual achievements.

The Wood County Bar Association supplied local attorneys as scoring judges for the competition.  Judges Kelsey, Woessner and Mayberry served as presiding judges.  “This is the second year that the Wood County Bar Association has sponsored a district competition,” said Judge Osterud.  “I appreciate the Associations efforts.  I know it means a lot to the students.”

Team One: Nick Bade, Michael O'Brien, Sohaib Hashmi, Alex Zavala, Jenna Anderson, David Prephan, Angela Robinson, Lindsay Kilpatrick, Sarah Donahue, Kevin Swiatek, LiMin Hang

Team Two:  Kaitlin Burhans, Nick Prephan, Kelsey Campbell, Kari Campbell, Danielle Jensen, Trent Dorner, Ross Buchanan, Pamela Twu, Paul Delaney, Marie Dicke, Alifia Merchant, Brent Samsen

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