This past weekend, Oak Park High School’s Mock Trial teams had great success at their first regional competition at the Ventura County Courthouse. Both the Gold and Black teams placed in the top eight teams, a rare and impressive feat, and continued to thrive this past weekend at their regional competition. 

Students begin preparing at the beginning of the year for the trials, after they are assigned their roles. On competition day, it is a collaborative effort that leads to success. 

“My favorite part of mock trial is getting to work with my attorney to come up with the best responses we can to get our point across,” junior and Gold Team witness Sowmika Talanki wrote to the Talon. “I love competition day because of the little words of encouragement right before we enter trial and just getting in the mindset of it all. My friends and I have this little tradition where we sing, ‘There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back’ by Shawn Mendes on the car ride to the courthouse, which is honestly like our good luck charm.”

Not only is Mock Trial a competition, but a class that has fostered a positive environment within its members. 

“I learned a lot during this year of Mock Trial. Not only have I gained more confidence in the courtroom, but I have also made many amazing friends,” junior and Gold Team’s opening attorney Naomi Lazarus wrote to the Talon. 

Mock Trial is open for all people interested in improving their skills and stimulating a courtroom experience.

“Even though I do not plan on pursuing law, I think it has taught me so much,” Talanki wrote. “It taught me how to be confident, have good public speaking skills, how to communicate better, and taught me that bonds can be made anywhere.”

Everyday, students put forth their best step, which reflects in their results.

“On competition day, we rely on each other, and when we win, we win as a team,” Lazarus wrote. “Last weekend, we had the first weekend of competition, and our Oak Park Gold team placed 3rd place and Black team placed 5th.”

The teams last competed on Mar. 1, where they unfortunately were unable to make it to the final four and qualify for the state competition. The black team placed 5th overall and the gold team placed 7th. Though this is the end of their competitive season, OPHS Mock Trial has much to be proud of and can enjoy preparing for next year.