ANIMAS – New Mexico's Judiciary on Tuesday honored a high school mock trial team from Hidalgo County for winning this year's state championship.
Sixth Judicial District Chief Judge Jarod Hofacket presented certificates of recognition to Animas High School mock trial team members and advisors at the school in southwestern New Mexico.
"It was a pleasure to celebrate this remarkable team in person," said Chief Judge Hofacket. "The reason for their success became clear — they are bright, confident and hardworking. I look forward to their bright futures, and hope many of them choose a legal profession. We would all benefit from their company."
The school won the championship during the March 20-21 high school mock trial state finals, finishing ahead of more than a dozen other teams, including those from larger schools in the Albuquerque area.
As the state champion, the Animas High School team will represent New Mexico at the national mock trial championship on May 7-9 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Students recognized for their achievements in the mock trial program: MaKayla Jarvis, Isabel Dominguez, Jenna Josefy, Ryley Ryder, Perla Cuevas, Evelin De La Cruz, Piper Massey, Ayslee Davenport, Memphis Sheehan, Valeria Sarellano-Olivares, and Daniel Dominguez. The team's advisors are Alysha Wagley, Scott Massey and Carrie Massey.
Results from this year's mock trial competition and those from past years are available on the New Mexico Activities Association website. The Center for Civic Values organizes the annual state competition for the Gene Franchini New Mexico High School Mock Trial Program, which is named after the late Justice Gene Franchini, who served on the state Supreme Court from 1990 to 2002 and was a district court judge for six years.
