Waukee Mock Trial Teams Conclude Record Season as State Semi-Finalists

Waukee High School’s Mock Trial teams recently completed their most successful season ever. Two teams qualified for the state tournament with one reaching the state semi-final round and several students were named to the All-State Team.

Mock Trial is an extracurricular activity open to all students sponsored by the Iowa State Bar Association. Students learn about teamwork, the law, courtroom procedures, public speaking, listening, and writing skills. Teams presented both sides of a wrongful death lawsuit involving events that took place during an outdoor concert in Iowa. Most years, the competition takes place face to face but due to the pandemic, this year’s tournament was conducted completely via Zoom.

Out of more than 80 teams statewide, WHS Team “Lightning McQueen” advanced to the final four round, the highest ever finish for Waukee before losing to eventual state champion Iowa City High. Team members were: Alyssa Roush, Kelsey Cooper, Hannah Molayal, Hailey Molayal, Collin Brown, Tommy Stroud, Vanessa DeMarco, and Madhav Valiyaparambil.

A second team from WHS, “Storm Troopers” advanced through regionals and qualified for the state tournament as well. Team members were: Anushka Gupta, Alayana Armentrout, Sara Sample, Bhargav Yellepeddi, Abby Presley, Taya Hirschy, Ainsley Menning, Reagan Nicholl, and Haley Bryan.

Additionally, three WHS students were named to the All-State team: Collin Brown and Sara Sample as attorneys, and Tommy Stroud as a witness.

More than 100 Waukee students in grades 8-12 participated in Mock Trial during the 2020-21 school year, with multiple teams from Timberline, Prairieview, and WHS. Teachers, community volunteers, and Waukee Mock Trial alumni now competing at the college level all helped to coach this year’s teams and make this educational opportunity possible for our students.