Mock trial’s best prosecution attorney Virginia Castro lauded

The 8th Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council recently adopted a resolution congratulating Virginia Castro of Kagman High School for being selected the “best prosecution attorney” at the 2005 CNMI high school mock trial competition held at Guma Hustisia in March.

The resolution said that members of the Municipal Council and the people of the CNMI “are extremely proud to join the parents, coaches, advisors, the CNMI Bar Association, the sponsors and mock trial coordinators in extending special congratulation and commendation to student Virginia Castro for her special accomplishment as the ‘best prosecution attorney’ at the 7th annual CNMI high school mock trial competition.”

This year’s edition of the mock trial contest was held on March 18-19.

The competition was organized in 1999 by Justice Ramon G. Villagomez to bring high school students into the courtroom to expose them to the legal system. The CNMI high school mock trial competition is held annually and coordinated by the CNMI Bar Association.

The 2005 mock trial competition contestants are Marianas Baptist Academy, Marianas High School, Mount Carmel School, Northern Marianas Academy, Calvary Christian Academy, Eucon International School, Rota High School, Saipan Southern High School, Tinian High School, Grace Christian Academy, and Kagman High School.

U.S. District Court Judge Alex Munson presided at this year’s championship round between the two finalists, Northern Marianas Academy and Grace Christian Academy. The contest focused on a fictitious homicide case of Mrs. Martha Cruz.

The panel of jurors, composed of local attorneys Clyde Lemons, Patrick Smith, Bruce Mailman, Allen Buak and Karen Klaver, declared the Northern Marianas Academy as champion while Grace Christian Academy settled as co-champion.

Besides Castro, the other awardees were Antolynn Mendiola Maratita, best defense attorney, Tinian High School; Kagman High School; Michelle Milagroso, best defense witness, Marianas High School; and April Cabanas, best prosecution witness, Eucon International High School.

The resolution was certified by municipal council chair Gregorio V. Deleon Guerrero and vice chair David A. Indalecio and attested by secretary Antonia M. Tudela.