Two Johnston middle school mock trial teams qualify for state

By Lynn Meadows, JCSD Director of Communications and Cheryl Smith, JMS and JHS ELP teacher

JOHNSTON, Ia. (Nov. 14, 2024) — Two of Johnston’s four middle school mock trial teams, Team Dragon and Team Gold, have qualified for the state tournament after competing in the Des Moines Regional Competition this week.

Team Dragon was one of the top four among 39 teams in the regional competition and automatically qualified Tuesday for the 2024 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial State Tournament, which will be held next month. Early rounds being held Dec. 2-3 at the Prairie Meadows Event Center in Altoona, followed by semifinal and final rounds Dec. 4 at the Iowa Judicial Building.

Members of Team Dragon include Preksha Chenbum Keezhidam, Sukhmun Chouhan, Shrena Dendi, Madhav Ganesh, Audrey Guiter, Kiaan Jain, Meredith Kathman, Paavani Konda, Irene Lin, Laasya Sri Ramolla, Saanvi Sri Ramolla and Ilima Shi. High school coaches are Advik Bajpai, Zak Haring, Lucy Kiekhafer, Maddie Koenigs, Maraya Wiltfang and David Zhang.

Team Gold also qualified for state Wednesday after joining Team Firestorm in being among the top 12 teams at regionals. Both teams competed Wednesday in play-off rounds to determine the remaining six spots moving on to state. Team Gold won one of those spots.

Members of Team Gold are Norah Baker, Tansi Bandaru, Elyse Baugh, Raaga Dhanekula, Micah Johnson, Kole Kirklin, Charles Krohe, Carter Mumm, Alex Ren, Sophie Shoff, Aubree Swift and Meredith Throener. High school coaches for the team are Syon Aggarwal, Sophie Amspaugh, Manasvi Dhanekula, Paige Lehman, Lucy Minger and Quinnlyn Schulte.

Case involving haunted house

Nearly 50 Johnston mock trial students from Summit and Johnston Middle School worked very hard this season, completely outside of school hours, to develop arguments in a civil case focusing on negligence surrounding the death of a Halloween house volunteer.

This year’s case, Estate of Will Byers v. Hawkins House of Horrors, is an original civil case involving a haunted house charity, The Hawkins House of Horrors (H3), in the fictional town of Hawkins, Iowa. The haunted house was created by the county to raise money for community projects. When word spread across the region, thousands of attendees traveled to Hawkins for the attraction.

In the midst of all the excitement, the tragic death of Hawkins resident Will Byers causes public outcry. A haunted house volunteer dressed up as a clown chased Byers into Highway 41, the main road that passed through the county. Byers collided with a passing vehicle which ultimately resulted in his death.

The courtroom simulation offered through mock trial is designed to introduce students to the legal system. It provides a challenging, academic competition that teaches students the value of teamwork, research and critical thinking skills.

Dozens of Johnston High School students volunteer to coach middle school mock trial. This year, there are 21 student coaches choosing to give back and share their passion for mock trial with younger students at Summit and Johnston Middle School.

Strong showing at regionals

Two additional Johnston middle school teams competed this week and had a strong showing at the Des Moines Regional Competition.

Members of Team Firestorm competed Wednesday in play-off rounds to determine the remaining six spots moving on to state. They narrowly missed qualifying for state in a split decision by the judges. Members of Team Firestorm are Jeshith Barli, Mayank Bhatt, Daniel Campos, Emery Hall, Arnav Kulkarni, Arav Kulkarni, Sofie Stanek, Clara Sullivan, Atharv Tiwari, Thavanesh Yalla. High school coaches are Ena Basic, Ethan MacFarland, Ella Prince, Caitlyn Robertson, David Shi.

Finally, Team Purple fought two difficult rounds on Tuesday and just missed qualifying for the play-off rounds. Members of Team Purple are Izzy Arnold, Abby Bates, Jack Bittner, Joey Condon, Alan Fox, Anmol Gonchigar, Quinn Heeren, Belle Maule, Katherine Miller, Brianna Pravel and Henry Terhark. High school coaches are Kaylee Jones, Sydney Maule and Paige Neighbors.

March 2024: Four Johnston (High School) mock trial teams advance to state

December 2022: Johnston wins 2022 mock trial state championship

December 2021: Middle school mock trial teams honored for outstanding performance