Decorah Middle School Excels at Regional Mock Trial Competition

Every dollar helps Decorah News chase down the truth on Water Street, not just headlines. Give today. WATERLOO, Iowa — The Regional Middle School Mock Trial Competition was held Nov. 21 at the Waterloo Convention Center, where 12 teams competed using this year's case, State of Iowa v. Dannie Dawson. The fictional case centers on a fire at the Paul and Frances Lubben Natural Sciences Building at Tabard University and whether high-achieving student Dannie Dawson intentionally set a chemistry lab hot plate to its maximum temperature, causing the fire. The trial challenged students to analyze evidence, build arguments and deliver compelling courtroom presentations. Decorah Middle School delivered an exceptional showing. All Decorah teams won each of their trials, making them the only undefeated teams in the competition. Because of their strong performances, a point tiebreaker was required to determine which undefeated teams would advance to the state competition. The top three teams earned advancement to the State Middle School Mock Trial Tournament, which will be held Dec. 1–2 in Altoona. Decorah's eighth grade team, Trial By Fire, as well as seventh grade teams Trial Blazers and Justice Ignited, qualified for the tournament. "I am so proud of all four teams. They have worked hard for months preparing their cases, and their efforts showed in the strengths of their performances. The skills they have gained will benefit them in many ways," Coach Dana Hogan said. Many Decorah students also earned individual awards. Outstanding Attorney honors went to Brent Burkey, Hattie Sauer, Elsa Propson, Iris Wadsworth, Mara Olson, Camille Rueckert, Maximus Rinkol and Alice Peterson. Outstanding Witness awards went to Elsa Propson, Anna Bailey, Emma McFarlane and Eva Butler. Honorable Mention Attorney recipients included Niva Anderson, Eben Tripp, Lilly Sailor, Kellen McGee, Carter Todd, Hazel Opheim, Gray Bassford, Gabrielle TerBeest, Emma Kadlec, Carson Bateman, Viola Vrtis and Jeremiah Davis. Honorable Mention Witnesses were Niva Anderson, Hattie Sauer, Brent Burkey, Johnny Crose, Carter Todd, Emma Kadlec, Gabrielle TerBeest, Maci Nielsen, Gray Bassford, Karl Wicks, Jeremiah Davis, Viola Vrtis, Hudson Delaney and Alice Peterson. DMS students prepared with support from numerous mentors and experts, including attorneys Jacob Stock, Ray Rinkol, John Anderson, Jana Evelsizer-Olson, Bekah Krueger, Andrew Casper and Jeremy Thompson; law student Grace Gerleman; and Carole Sand, former mock trial coach. Several Decorah High School students also volunteered as coaches and mentors, and Luther College mock trial students provided performance feedback. Teams are coached by Hogan and Scott Boylen. Mock Trial is part of the DMS Extended Learning Program. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.