ESFDB students excel in Junior High Mock Trial

ESFDB Team 2, from left: Joshua Puerto, Angelica Lucero, Metka Mendiola, Tyra Reese Calvo, Marnecia Hocog, and Loreville Clitar. (Contributed Photo)

The Northern Mariana Humanities Council, in collaboration with the Guma’ Hustisia, hosted the 10th annual Junior High Mock Trial on April 12, 2014.
For most participating junior high school students, the justice system, courts, trials, judges, and juries are a complete mystery that they might see on the TV program Law and Order, but almost certainly aren’t something that they ordinarily deal with.

Students from various junior high schools put their legal hats on to participate in the event that is not competitive. However, individual students were recognized for their outstanding performances after each round.

Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja Junior High Mock Trial team had been preparing for the event since January this year.

The Junior High Mock Trial event was ESFDB’s culmination of a 12-week class conducted by Army Judge Advocate General Corps lawyer coach Capt. Edward Maratita Jr. and assisted by teacher coach Mary Rose Lucero.

This year, ESFDB set up two teams representing the defense side.

The first team of defense lawyers was composed of Jeremy John Atalig II, Tyra Reese Calvo, and Angelica Lucero, along with their defense witnesses Marjorie Banaag, Angelo Lucero, and Junice Masga.

The second team of defense lawyers was composed of Tyra Reese Calvo, Angelica Lucero, and Metka Mendiola, together with their defense witnesses Loreville Clitar, Marnecia Hocog, and Joshua James Puerto.

ESFDB’ first team competed against Tinian Junior High School, while the second team was pitted against its sister school and mock trial powerhouse Mount Carmel School.

After each round, CNMI Superior Court Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio recognized individual students for their performances. Recognized for superior achievement as defense attorneys were Jeremy John Atalig II, Tyra Reese Calvo, Angelica Lucero, and Metka Mendiola.

Marjorie Banaag, Loreville Clitar, Angelo Lucero, and Junice Masga were recognized for superior achievement in their roles as defense witnesses.

“These students have achieved something very impressive with their performance during the Junior High Mock Trial event,” said ESFDB administrator/principal Carmen H. Atalig. “Not only did they earned a good grade but were recognized for their outstanding performances.”

“They’ve represented our school and Luta community very well. I am proud of the achievements of these God-given talented students,” added Atalig.

“The goal of the class was simple. We wanted them to understand about the justice system and play their role,” said teacher coach Lucero. “The students had fun putting on a show, which is a great sign.’’

“Going up against our sister school Mount Carmel was a challenge. Anytime, you go up against them, it’s like going up against real lawyers,” said Tyra Reese Calvo.

Angelica Lucero shared the same sentiments. “They are the best team and we enjoyed competing against the best. They pushed us to be at our best and I thank them for it.”

“During the 12-week class, there was a lot of reading, they had a long packet of information to read before the junior high mock trial, and I am very proud of them because they were focused and disciplined,” said Army JAG lawyer coach Maratita. “The students had a sense of how the judicial system works. Next year we’re hoping to get more student participation in the junior high mock trial classes to build around for the future.”

Prior to the event, Supreme Court Associate Justice John A. Manglona gave his welcoming remarks to the participating junior high school students, teachers, and guest.

The administration, faculty, and students would like to express their appreciation to the Northern Marianas Humanities Council, Superior Court judges and Supreme Court justices, Rota Court House staff, Daisy Mendiola, Patrick Diaz, Arlo Lucero, Dr. James and Mrs. Jocelyn Toskas and kids, Pacific Regional Training Institute Legal Counsel Division (Guam), and to the parents for their encouragement and support. (ESFDB)