Ann Arbor's Community High School mock trial team wins back-to-back state championships
For the second straight year and the fifth time since 1993, the Community High School mock trial team has won the mock trial state championship enhancing its reputation as one of the best programs in the state.
Head coach Cheryl Grace, a teacher at Community, said the victory over Kalamazoo Central High School last weekend came after months of preparation on a single case. Even though winning has become a tradition for the Community team, Grace said the feeling doesn’t get old.
“It was a different group of kids and it’s such a nerve-wracking day that you never really get used to it,” she said.
The Community High School Mock Trial Team was named state champion last weekend.
Courtesy of Cheryl Grace
This year’s case focused on cyberstalking, with a plaintiff suing a defendant who had harassed the plaintiff anonymously in order to cause that person to lose scholarships and valedictorian honors in a make-believe high school.
The team is now preparing to go to the national competition from May 5 to May 8 in Phoenix, Ariz., and is working on fundraising for the tournament. The goal is to raise about $10,000 to help fulfill all travel accommodations.
Grace said the mock trial team can be a springboard for high school students to pursue careers in law.
“If you look at the kids who come out of the program, they’re exceptional people, but in some cases go on to pursue law,” she said. “It gets kids interested in this as a career.”
Kyle Feldscher covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
Judy Freedman
Sun, Apr 3, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
Let us not forget our amazing coach and all her time and effort which is more than you will ever know. Cheryl has been a wonderful mentor to many students and is among the best educators in town.
jcj
Sun, Apr 3, 2011 : 12:10 p.m.
Congrats for a job well done!
lewismbruno
Sun, Apr 3, 2011 : 12:27 a.m.
It's an amazing achievement. I wonder if people are seeing that added info that they can contribute to the $10,000-plus it will take to get the Ann Arbor CHS team to the Nationals to represent Michigan? Please send a check to Community High School, attention: Chris Hicks, 401 N. Division, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Put Mock Trial in the memo line. The less the team and coaches and team have to worry about raising money, the more they can work on preparing the new national case--to do Michigan proud!
cheryl grace
Sat, Apr 2, 2011 : 7:54 p.m.
The students' names are: Shadi Ahmadmehrabi, Cooper DePriest, Michelle Grifka, Max Lewis, Michael Savage, Tressa Stapleton, Eli Sugerman, Elise Wander and Garrett Wood.
Steven Guttman
Sat, Apr 2, 2011 : 7:04 p.m.
Nice Job, why no names ? to difficult to "report" ? come on annarbor.com please write articles and do a better job of the facts. These kids deserve the recognition
Matt Cooper
Sat, Apr 2, 2011 : 3:46 p.m.
Congrats Commies!!! Matt Cooper CHS Class of '84
Wolf's Bane
Sat, Apr 2, 2011 : 1:37 p.m.
Congratulations team!!!
packman
Sat, Apr 2, 2011 : 12:22 p.m.
Maybe these kids could help out the Mayor, Roger, and City Council?
rinmem10
Sat, Apr 2, 2011 : 12:18 p.m.
Congratulations to all involved in this success and thank you annarbor.com for making this the top story and showcasing a positive achievement of community youth !