From strong prosecution to the passionate witnesses, the mock trials team at heritage is an impressive force. Each year the club is given one case to perfect for competition which is perfected over the course of several months. Before the big tournament occuring in February, the club participates in numerous scrimmages with local high schools to improve upon their overall performance.

  The club is led by many returning members of the mock trials club: Vanessa Rodriguez-Vega (12), president; Tagrid Halloum (12), vice president; Soraya Gouhary (12), secretary; and Matthew Lara-Agraz (10), treasurer.

  Along with the club officers, the club is under the leadership of their advisor Mr. Rust and works with local attorneys to get real incite into the legal process.

  This year the club was able to attract many new members to participate. From witnesses to attornies, each member plays a key role in executing the perfect trial. Following a successful 2017 season, this year’s mock trial team was greeted with many new additions including Tori Renner (10), Christian Tall (12), Tariq Paulding (11), and Sasha Stertz.

  “I think this year has introduced a lot of newcomers that will set us up for success in future seasons,” said Nikhe Brahmin (10), one of the team captains. Along with Casey Manuel (12), the two team captains worked on each side of the trial process.

 The larger mock trials team was a key aspect to their success this season. Before the main competition in February the team led by president Vanessa Rodriguez Vega, participated in many different scrimmages. The team faced off with many different schools within the district and surrounding Bay Area including Acalanes and Deer Valley.

  Beginning in September, the team split between the prosecution and defense worked to build the perfect case. An important aspect to the mock trials process is the execution of each side. Emilee Ladra (11) was the script writer for the club and worked to solidify this aspect of the team’s performance.  

  Ultimately, the club put in their best effort within the major February tournament but was unable to place.

  “We’ve definitely done better in past years, but we still did well and put our best effort into each match,” said Brahmin.

  With the season wrapped up, the mock trials team is able to celebrate with their annual banquet which includes awards such as best witness and attorney.