A Winning Idea: DHS Sophomores Launch Mock Trial Team, Head to State

Our Driftless region deserves more than postcards — it deserves a watchdog. Be that support. DECORAH — What began as an ambitious idea among Decorah High School sophomores has quickly become a success story. Just a few months ago, a group of students led by Sophia McGee and Eva Hurley approached teacher and middle school mock trial coach Scott Boylen with a question: Could Decorah have a high school mock trial team? "At the time, it was just an idea," Boylen said. "But they were motivated and willing to do the work to make it happen." After getting Boylen on board, the students took their proposal to school administrators and eventually the school board in December. "To start off, we had to present to our activities director, Adam Riley, to see if it was even a possibility," Leah Garcia-Prats said. "We created a document with statements from middle schoolers, parents and included logistics like cost." McGee said the group knew it had to fully commit. "The idea had been dismissed before since the school already has so many activities, so we thought about every aspect we could possibly think of, including practice schedules, planning, everything," she said. "Without this group, I never would have had the confidence to approach somebody with such a big idea." The board approved the team, and the students practiced and prepared on their own while Boylen was being officially named adviser. Their work paid off quickly. On March 6, the newly formed team traveled to Mason City for a regional competition in its first season. It returned home with a first-place finish. "It was a shock," Poppy Bellrichard said. "We were hoping for at least third, but when they called our name as winners, we were like, 'What?'" The victory earned the team a spot at the state tournament, set for March 30 through April 1 in Des Moines. Team members said their success comes down to preparation and their connection with each other. "We're really close," Nils Peterson said. "We've done a lot of team bonding. The process of building the team right before competition really shaped us." All of the current team members participated in middle school mock trial, though not always on the same teams, helping create a strong dynamic. "A large part of mock trial is working well together," McGee said. "Being close friends makes it easier. I feel more comfortable speaking because of that." The program has also helped students grow in new ways. "It's unlike other activities," Hurley said. "It's helped with confidence, speaking skills, thinking on our feet and thinking professionally." Even those not planning legal careers said the benefits are valuable. "It's grown my public speaking skills and helped me feel more comfortable talking to people," Breyden McCain said. The team has also been supported by volunteer coaches Spencer Christensen and Myla Leitz, both juniors who previously participated in middle school mock trial. "Spencer and I were mock trial partners in middle school," Leitz said. "I haven't been coaching for long, but he asked if I wanted to come watch a scrimmage. I've been helping out ever since." "Everyone here is 100% committed," Christensen said. "It's been really cool to see how far they've come." Boylen said the students deserve most of the credit. "I did some arranging of opportunities, but otherwise it was all them," he said. "It took a lot of self-motivation to get this group established. I'm super proud of them." He added the program opens new opportunities for younger students. "Until now, mock trial ended in eighth grade for Decorah students," Boylen said. "Now middle schoolers can continue in high school, thanks to this group's initiative." As the team prepares for the state tournament, members said they are focused on refining their performance. "We're in the finalization phase," Garcia-Prats said. "We want to be fully memorized and ready." The competition will bring together the top 32 teams from across Iowa, with the top four advancing to the final rounds. While the stakes are higher, the team said it is staying grounded and motivated. "We've all really worked to be here," Bellrichard said. "Our dedication sets us apart." For other students with big ideas, the team offered simple advice: Go for it. "It's just communication," Bellrichard said. "Know your goal and tell people." "And you just have to try," Garcia-Prats added. The 2026 Iowa High School Mock Trial State Tournament will be held March 30-April 1 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The 2026 Decorah High School team includes Leah Garcia-Prats, Poppy Bellrichard, Eva Hurley, Nils Peterson, Breyden McCain, Sophia McGee, Davis Walter, Matthew Burkholder, Addisyn Ivy and Gavin Carolan. Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.