Perrysburg Court Explorer Post Competes in State Mock Trial Competition

Perrysburg, Ohio – March 15, 2004 – Perrysburg Municipal Court’s Explorer Post #2306 Mock Trial Team Blue traveled to Columbus for the state competition after placing first in the district mock trial competition held in Wood County.

The final placement of teams at the state level depends on rounds won over points scored.  The Perrysburg Blue Team, although scoring more points then other teams in state competition, did not place as high, because they had no wins in either round.

Lindsay Kilpatrick and Alex Zavala argued the case as attorneys for the defense.  JoJo Ginn and David Prephan were attorneys for the prosecution. “This was an awesome experience,” said Prephan, president of the Explorer Post. “We learned a lot, and I’m sure we will be even better next year.” Jenna Anderson, Kaitlin Burhans, Michael O’Brien, and Kevin Swiatek gave testimony as witnesses.  Nick Bade was the bailiff. “Sweet,” Anderson remarked, “I’m coming back next year, maybe as an attorney.”  Jenna Borton, Kari Campbell, and Kelsey Campbell also traveled to Columbus where they offered support to their peers.

The mock trial teams were coached by local attorney John P. Donahue and Judge Dwight Osterud. “The students worked very hard for this competition,” said Judge Osterud. “I know their parents, Mr. Donahue, and I are proud of them.  They worked hard, but they had fun as well.”  Prior to state competition the team scrimmaged with the ultimate winner of competition, Sylvania Southview.  “We realize what we have to do to compete on a higher level,” said Ginn, secretary of the Explorer Post.  “We think we can reach that level as soon as next year.”

Additional members of the Explorer Post mock trial team included Nick Gozza; Thomas Belazis; Ross Buchanan; Paul Delaney; Maria Dicke; Karl Meyer, treasurer of the Explorer Post; Olivia Twu; and Sara Walker, vice-president of the Explorer Post.

To find out how the Perrysburg Explorer Post Mock Trial Team performed at state go to the OCLRE website at www.oclre.org.

Perrysburg Court Explorer Post #2306 is part of the Exploring Learning for Life’s career education program.  The Perrysburg Municipal Court launched this Explorer post in 2001 to give community youth the opportunity to look into the world of law and government as a career choice and to participate in law and government activities.  New members are always welcome.

EXPLORERS in Columbus for State Competition - March 2004
Back Row: Kelsey Campbell, Alex Zavala, Nick Bade, David Prephan, Michael O'Brien, Kevin Swiatek,
& Kari Campbell
Front Row: JoJo Ginn, Lindsay Kilpatrick, Jenna Anderson, Jenna Borton, & Kaitlin Burhans

Lindsay Kilpatrick, Jenna Anderson, Alex Zavala, & Kevin Swiatek

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