Marysville Y Mock Trial Team Tops Local Rivals at State Competition
High School Students Learn Real-World Skills in Courtroom
Marysville, WA. March 25, 2024 – The Marysville Family YMCA Mock Trial Team soared to success as Snohomish County’s top finisher at the State Competition held over the weekend in Pierce County. Despite being in just its second year, the team secured an impressive 7th place finish out of 24 teams, showcasing the hard work, dedication, and talent of the students.
“We are incredibly proud of our students’ remarkable achievement,” said Taryn Dinuis, Associate Executive Director, Marysville Family YMCA. “Their team work, problem-solving skills, and ingenuity have been truly inspiring. The sky is the limit for these amazing students.”
The YMCA Mock Trial Competition offers high school students real-life courtroom experiences. Participants take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses, presenting their cases before actual judges and juries. The Marysville Y team spent months preparing for the event, competing at districts and earning a place in the State Competition. The program not only fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, it also introduces students to careers in the legal system.
Sabrina Neal, Team Captain and senior at Marysville Getchell High School enjoys the challenge of preparing for Mock Trial, especially being on a newer team. “I love reaching the end of a trial and hearing the jurors give feedback so we know how to improve the next time,” she said. “It’s really encouraging to hear from professionals and I like the challenge of leveling up.”
Neal’s efforts paid off. She was awarded Best Attorney at the State Competition. She plans to attend Western Washington University after graduating and is interested in a career in law.
Marysville YMCA’s 11-member team is comprised of students from local high schools. Mock Trial is part of the Y’s Youth and Government program and anyone can join. No previous experience is needed; just a desire to learn, regularly show up, and be an active team member. The confidence, teamwork, and decision-making skills that participants acquire benefit them in all aspects of life.
Rudy Vazquez, sophomore at Marysville Getchell High School, discovered Mock Trial last year and decided to join because he’s interested in a career as an attorney and knew this would be a good opportunity. Vazquez served as a preliminary attorney in this case and can’t wait for next year and a new case to research, prepare, and present. “I love learning,” he said. “You can never stop learning. There is always something new.”
To learn more about Mock Trial and other youth leadership programs at the Y, please visit ymca-snoco.org.
