By Darshini Dayanidhi
The Mock Trial Club, overseen by Mr. Powalowski, offers students a unique experience in the legal field. They are provided with an opportunity to simulate real court cases in a competitive setting.
“The better you do, the further you go – maybe even to the State competition in Albany, New York,” says Mr. Powalowski. Over the years, the Mock Trial team at our school has consistently performed well, often reaching the finals.
The club’s season commences in typically early to late November. It begins with tryouts and team formation, followed by the learning of courtroom procedures. Initially, they meet once a week, but as they approach January, their meetings increase to 2-3 times a week. Competitions occur on Saturdays in February.
The trials are the club’s calendar’s major events, in which each team argues from either the defense or the prosecution/plaintiff side. Success in these competitions can lead to playoffs, where winning is the key to advancement.
Participation in the Mock Trial Club equips students with essential skills, such as public speaking, teamwork, organizational abilities, and a sense of responsibility and commitment. They also gain a better understanding of legal terminology and classifications. This experience provides insights into the legal field and the workings of the judicial system. The club assists in helping students decide on whether they plan to pursue a career in law.
Basic requirements for participating in the club include being a registered student in WEHS and having dedication to the club and fellow members. “The most committed and proficient students earn their spots on the team,” Mr. Powalowski emphasizes.
For students contemplating joining the Mock Trial Club or considering a career in law or related fields, Mr. Powalowski suggests exploring their interests and passions. He reiterates the importance of engaging in various activities, but also recommends focusing on a few and becoming fully committed to them. This helps students discover their true interests and passions while fostering dedication and commitment.
Shruthi Dharshan, an ambitious sophomore, states during her interview, “I am very excited to be a part of this club. I am interested in the field of law and I want to figure out if that’s something I want to do. I thought I might try to get some experience. The initial tryouts were very stressful, but it gave me an insight into what I can expect from the club in the future.” 2024 is Shruthi’s first year participating in Mock Trial. Let’s wish her and the other participants well for the upcoming competitions. GO FLAMES!