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DECORAH — Decorah Middle School's four mock trial teams competed in regional competition at Waterloo on November 9. The two eighth grade Decorah teams advanced to the state tournament that will be held in Des Moines, December 2-4. One team headed to state consists of the following students: Simon Potvin, Isaiah Bonnet, Ellis Thompson, Kylie Zoulek, Harper Menke, Sofia Hageman, Lula McAbee, Veda Shimek, Crosby Butler and Austin Bohner. The other team includes Nathaniel Crose, Charly Courtney, Rosie Burkholder, Kelbi Schuman, Noah Alexander, Robert Davis, Abby Stevens, Ruth Kueny, Edith Marable and June Fassbinder. Other participants who competed are as follows: Anya Volkman, Haylyn Stowe, Avery Garcia-Prats, Brent Burkey, Amelia Krueger, Johnny Crose, Elliana Nyanjenga, Carter Todd, Hattie Sauer, Theo Raabe, Lilly Richmond, Emma McFarlane, Anna Bailey, Iris Wadsworth, Abby Shaw, Niva Anderson, Elsa Propson, Logan Kuennen, Kellan McGee and Eben Tripp. This year's competition is based on the fictional civil case set in Hawkins, Iowa. In the case, the estate of Will Byers has filed a wrongful death claim against Hawkin's House of Horrors (H3), alleging that the company's negligence led to a preventable tragedy. The case centers on the unsafe design of the haunted house, which was located dangerously close to a highway and included hazardous elements like strobe lights that disoriented guests. The plaintiff argues that H3 failed to take reasonable safety precautions, contributing to Will Byers's death. H3 denies these allegations, claiming they met all necessary safety standards and that Byers voluntarily assumed the risks associated with the haunted house experience. The case will determine whether H3's actions were negligent and if they were a substantial factor in causing Byers' fatal accident. A large number of Decorah students earned outstanding witness and attorney nominations from judges. Outstanding Attorney Award winners include Rosie Burkholder, Kelbi Schuman, Robert Davis, Sofia Hageman, Simon Potvin, Kylie Zoulek, Brent Burkey, Johnny Crose, Amelia Krueger, and Kellan McGee. Outstanding Witness Award winners include Rosie Burkholder, Austin Bohner, Veda Shimek, Brent Burkey, Theo Raabe, Elliana Nyanjenga, Iris Wadsworth, Emma McFarlane and Lilly Richmond. "I am proud of how great the students competed. The day was filled with challenges, and the students responded to each one to ensure their trials were successful," commented Mock Trial Coach Dana Hogan. Many mentors and experts assisted the DMS students in preparing for the mock trial competition, including attorney Jeremy Thompson, attorney Andrew Casper, attorney John Anderson, attorney Bekah Krueger, and attorney Jacob Stock. Retired Extended Learning Program Teacher Carole Sand shared her mock trial expertise with students through the season. Numerous high school students also volunteered as high school coaches and mentors to assist students with writing and delivery. Teams are coached by Dana Hogan and Scott Boylen. Mock Trial is part of the DMS Extended Learning Program. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.

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Decorah Middle School Mock Trial Teams Dominate Regionals, On to State