The Oklahoma Bar Journal April 2024

J ENKS HIGH SCHOOL’S TEAM Courtroom Crusaders edged out Oklahoma City’s Academy of Classical Christian Studies to claim the Oklahoma High School Mock Trial Championship. This is the second time Jenks High School has won the championship and the first time the Academy of Classical Christian Studies has made it to the final round of competition. The Mock Trial program, now in its 44th year, involves teams of students portraying attorneys and defendants in a courtroom setting, with judges and attorneys evalu ating their performance. The final round was held Tuesday, March 5, at the OU College of Law in Norman. The case the two teams argued was a fictional civil trial that examined how a social media influencer’s negligent and reckless conduct and disregard for health, safety and well-being led to one follower’s death. “The program gives students a unique opportunity to develop public speaking, presentation and critical thinking skills while encouraging an interest in and an appreciation of our judicial sys tem,” said Mock Trial Committee Chair Orion Strand. “We are proud of all the students who participated in the Mock Trial competition and are excited for Jenks High School to represent Oklahoma in the national competition in Delaware in May.”

The Academy of Classical Christian Studies Team Beauty took home the second- place trophy for their performance.

TEAMS, COACHES AND TEACHERS

Jenks’ Courtroom Crusaders was coached by teacher and attorney Mike Horn and assis tant coaches Kody Engle, Justin McCrackin and Levi Applegate. Team members were Ester Chen, Alyssa Engle, Elaine Gao, Ann Gao, Valery Gutierrez, Adam Humphrey, Noah Markham, Whitaker McManus, Sara Moreno, Sahil Patel and Molli Thomas. The Academy of Classical Christian Studies team was coached by attorney Jennifer Stall and teach ers Anne Kirby and Chism Young.

Elaine Gao of Jenks High School receives the Award for Best Attorney.

APRIL 2024 | 63

THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL