What the future holds for Owasso Mock Trial

By Olivia Kerber

Picture of Owasso mock trial team members taken by Sean Duncan

Owasso High School's Mock Trial team has been competing across the state in courthouses, and they just recently had the conclusion of their season. Reflecting back on the season, many had positive experiences to share.

Sophomore Ty Elias, a member of the Owasso Mock Trials varsity team, had many heartening memories to share. 

Elias expressed that he “Absolutely loved [this mock trial season]. Visiting courthouses across the state was such a great experience.” 

“All the free food didn’t hurt either!” he laughs.

While being one of the lawyers for his Mock Trial team, he had multiple roles. One such role was an opener, the individual who conducts the opening statement of the trial. When reminiscing on this season, Elias seemed very fond of what such a position meant to him.

He states, “Delivering my opening statement during semifinals might have been my favorite part of the year. I felt like all the practice that had gone into it culminated at that point.”

Through the dedication that Mock Trial requires, Elias asserted that this so-called ‘pressure’ has undoubtedly helped him develop skills for the future. 

“Mock Trial has made me a better speaker, made me more confident, and [it] has boosted my self-esteem.”

Another team member, Parker Baskerville, had thoughts similar to Elias's. 

When mentioning abilities she's gained through this program, she mentioned “public speaking, research, critical thinking, and teamwork.” 

Further, she stated, “I hope to become an attorney, so Mock Trial is right up that alley.” 

This season was Baskerville’s second year on the team, but in both years, she was a witness on the varsity team. As a matter of fact, she was the only person to be on varsity as a ‘newbie’ her first year. 

“My experience this year in Mock Trial was significantly different from last year, purely because last year I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. This year, I was able to help the newbies, and that was extremely fulfilling.”

As for the future, Baskerville is thrilled to compete next season— her senior year.

“My senior year, I will have the opportunity to be a lawyer instead of a witness and I am super stoked about that. I also look forward to spending more time with my Mock Trial team because they are incredible.” 

Despite a saddening end to their season, Owasso Mock Trial team members are eager to be competing next season, and cannot wait to deepen their bond with one another.