MBA sweeps mock trial competition

Marianas Baptist Academy marked a historic victory Saturday after ruling the 11th Annual CNMI Mock Trial competition, besting seven other teams for the honor to represent the CNMI in the national contest.

MBA’s victory was a first by the school in the contest’s history since 1999.

Besides ruling the championship round, three of its members were named recipients of three special awards: Dencio Manglona was recognized as best defense attorney; Xiao Tian Falig, best defense witness; and Laura Lee, best prosecution witness.

For four consecutive years, MBA teams have been constant opponents in the championship round but they never made it to the nationals until now.

Attorney coach Eric Nelson said the students’ hard work paid off.

“MBA has always been a very good school and these students have been in the final round for a number of years…but didn’t make it to the national. We’re very happy and very proud that we made it this time!” he told Saipan Tribune.

Nelson said the group started preparing for the competition since November and has been meeting with the group for long hours each day.

“They’ve been working very hard for this…and extremely excited to go this far. Seeing how well the competition was in the last two days, we’re very proud of what they achieved,” he added.

Nelson also lauded the performance demonstrated by the opposing team of Mount Carmel School, the defending champion.

“The MCS team went extraordinarily good [today]. All members showed unbelievable talents and this is why I can say the whole island has a lot to be proud of [its students],” he said.

MBA principal Ramir Trinidad said the school team has constantly given honor to the school. “They did a lot of good job and MBA is very proud of our team. They deserve to go to the national,” he said, acknowledging the efforts put in by coaches and teachers.

This year, eight teams from private and public high schools totaling about 70 students competed for the title.

The MBA team members who will advance to the national level in Atlanta, Georgia, this year include Yong Hwa Choi, Xia Tian Falig, Chan Woo Lee, Jessica Lee, Laura Lee, Dencio Manglona, and So Young Lee.

Xia Tian Falig described the occasion a “sweet victory for MBA.”

“MBA, after four long years of hard work, finally made it! This is a sweet victory for us,” the emotional student said.

Falig, also the best prosecution attorney, said it took a lot of hard work to prepare for the competition. “It’s a good feeling,” said the student about winning. Falig has been joining the mock trial contest for three years now.

Laura Lee said it has been her desire to win the championship round for MBA.

“It’s something I truly wanted…to win and break the record for MBA,” she said, adding that her two years’ experience with the team brought her rewarding experiences and skills.

She vowed to do her best and prepare for the national team.

So Young Lee echoed her colleague’s sentiments. She admitted being disappointed every time they didn’t make it. “This is truly a memorable day,” she said. Lee has been with the MBA mock trial team for the last three years.

Second best team members of MCS included So Yoon Lee, Marian Kristina Salas Balajadia, Min Joo Jung, Kevin Harvey Gatmaitan Bautista, Keno Iwa Candalla San Pablo, Min Kyung Kim, and Chiaki Hirosawa.

The mock trial competition is designed to give students an inside perspective of the legal system and provide understanding of legal issues.

It is organized by the CNMI Bar Association in collaboration with the Public School System.