Skyline Mock Trial Teams Shine in State Tournament

Skyline High School’s Green and Silver Mock Trial teams recently had the chance to test their mettle against teens from throughout Washington during the YMCA Youth Government’s yearly Mock Trial State Tournament. The Green team was awarded second place in the state competition, and the Silver team placed 12th. 

In the Mock Trial program through the YMCA, teams of students receive a case in the fall. They work together to portray attorneys and witnesses, then compete against other teams from throughout the district and state. The program is designed to foster public speaking skills and critical thinking experience as well as collaboration as teammates. 

“Both Skyline teams went up against very talented and experienced teams in each round of the tournament, faring better than they ever have in team history,” said adviser Curtis von Trapp, who teaches CTE courses who teaches in Criminal Justice and Police Forensics at Skyline. 

This year’s tournament was hosted on Zoom, and offered the top 24 teams in Washington the opportunity to compete for a spot in the national championships.  

Individual students nominated for “Best Attorney” in the state competition included: Aditi Srinivasan, Audrey Cho, Karan Malhotra, Lucianna Colindres, Olivia Lapinsky, Shivani Modi and Shreya Karnik. Nominations for “Best Witness” included: Emily Si, Landen Scott, Lucianna Colindres, Raghav Pradhan, Sanya Kapoor and Yanda Bao, who earned the same distinction for the championship round. 

Von Trapp thanked King County District Court Judge Michael Finkle and Vancouver, Wash. Attorney Courtney Mendoza for volunteering to help coach the teams. 

Learn more about the YMCA Youth Government Mock Trial program on their website.