Student attorneys recognized at junior high mock trial

The Northern Marianas Humanities Council hosted the 13th CNMI Junior High Mock Trial last month. Ten schools with over 80 student attorneys presented their side in the fictitious cyberstalking case, Commonwealth v. Kelsey Reed.

Participating schools included Hopwood Middle School, Chacha Oceanview Middle School, Dandan Middle School, Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja, Francisco M. Sablan Middle School, Grace Christian Academy, Mount Carmel School, Saipan Community School, and Tinian Junior Senior High School.

Chief Justice Alexandro Castro and Associate Justice John Manglona, along with Superior Court associate judges Teresa Kim-Tenorio and Joseph Camacho, and law clerk Benjamin Byers, presided over rounds.

The junior high mock trial is a signature program of the council and, although it is non-competitive, students representing each side of the case are recognized for their exemplary performance in each round.

For the first round in Castro’s courtroom, Hopwood’s Jigger Parayaon received special recognition for his role as prosecutor and Vivian Lui for her role as prosecution witness. For the opposing side, ESFDB’s Jeremy John Atalig II received special recognition as defense attorney and Michael John Cantil as witness for the defense.

In Manglona’s courtroom, SCS’ Mateo Guerrero received special recognition for his role as prosecutor and Cloie Seo as prosecution witness. For the opposing side, GCA’s Sebastian Camacho received special recognition for his role as defense attorney and Heather Pangilinan and Miriella Dilse as witnesses for the defense.

In Kim-Tenorio’s courtroom, Dandan school’s Juliet Inocencio received special recognition for her role as prosecutor and Allan Arcega for his role as prosecution witness. For the opposing side, MCS’ William Ano received special recognition for his role as defense attorney and Brissa Hunter as witness for the defense.

In Camacho’s courtroom, GCA’s Claire Marzan, Jonathan Lee, and Christy Lee were given special recognition for their roles as prosecutors; and Steven Andriatico, Joyce Francisco, and Matthew Ernest as witnesses for the prosecution. Representing the defense, Francisco M. Sablan Middle School’s Jerine Blazo, Elaine Fernandez and Aldene Alvarez were given special recognition for their roles as attorneys; and Elisha Posadas, Devahn Dogelio, and Nobert Pangelinan Jr. as witnesses.

In Byers’ courtroom, Chacha Oceanview’s Angelica Mario received special recognition for her role as prosecutor and Joedy Pinaula as prosecution witness. For the opposing side, SCS’ Moon Zeng was given special recognition as defense attorney and One An as defense witness.

For the second round in Kim-Tenorio’s courtroom, Tinian school’s Anisha Viches received special recognition for her role as prosecutor and Clarence Rodriguez as prosecution witness. Representing the defense, GCA’s Maria Bonto received special recognition for her role as attorney and Heather Pangilinan as witness.

For the second round in Camacho’s courtroom, Chacha Oceanview’s Jady Blas, Richard Lacson, and Angelica Mario received special recognition for their roles as prosecutors; and Jude Litulumar, Joedy Pinaula, and Armani Adkins as prosecution witnesses. For the opposing side, Hopwood’s Alex Amaro, Gabriel Arkoh, and Ryan Kang were given special recognition for their roles as defense attorneys; and Daphne Cruzat, Christine Becaril, and Jerwan Joyner as defense witnesses.

The council extends its great appreciation to the CNMI Judiciary and House of Justice team, teacher coaches, attorney coaches and volunteers who helped to make this year’s event a success. (PR)