The Regional Middle School Mock Trial Competition was held November 21 at the Waterloo Convention Center, where twelve teams competed using this year’s case, State of Iowa v. Dannie Dawson. The fictional case centers on a fire at the Paul and Frances Lubben Natural Sciences Building at Tabard University. The investigation focused on whether high-achieving student Dannie Dawson intentionally set a chemistry lab hot plate to its maximum temperature and burned down the science building. The trial challenged students to analyze evidence, build arguments, and present compelling courtroom performances.

Decorah Middle School delivered an exceptional showing at the regional event. All Decorah teams won every one of their trials, making them the only undefeated teams in the entire competition. Because of their outstanding performances, a point tie-breaker was required to determine which of the undefeated teams would advance to the state competition.

The top three teams earned advancement to the State Middle School Mock Trial Tournament which will be held in Altoona on December 1 and 2. The eighth grade team Trial By Fire as well as the seventh grade teams of Trial Blazers and Justice Ignited qualified for the state competition.

“I am so proud of all four teams.  They have worked hard for months preparing their cases and their efforts showed in the strengths of their performances.  The skills they have gained will benefit them in many ways,” commented Coach Dana Hogan.

In addition to winning all trials as a team, many individuals earned awards as well.  The following students were named Outstanding Attorneys: Brent Burkey, Hattie Sauer, Elsa Propson, Iris Wadsworth, Mara Olson, Camille Rueckert, Maximus Rinkol, and Alice Peterson. Outstanding Witness awards were earned by Elsa Propson, Anna Bailey, Emma McFarlane, and Eva Butler.

Honorable Mention Attorney award winners included Niva Anderson, Eben Tripp, Lilly Sailor, Kellen McGee, Carter Todd, Hazel Opheim, Gray Bassford, Gabrielle TerBeest, Emma Kadlec, Carson Bateman, Viola Vrtis, and Jeremiah Davis.

Niva Anderson, Hattie Sauer, Brent Burkey, Johnny Crose, Carter Todd, Emma Kadlec, Gabrielle TerBeest, Maci Nielsen, Gray Bassford, Karl Wicks, Jeremiah Davis, Viola Vrtis, Hudson Delaney, and Alice Peterson were all named Honorable Mention Witnesses.

Many mentors and experts assisted the DMS students in preparing for Mock Trial competition including Attorney Jacob Stock, Attorney Ray Rinkol, Attorney John Anderson, Attorney Jana Evelsizer-Olson, Attorney Bekah Krueger, Attorney Andrew Casper, Attorney Jeremy Thompson, law student Grace Gerleman and Carole Sand, former mock trial coach. Numerous high school students also volunteered as high school coaches and mentors to assist students with writing and delivery; Luther College mock trial students also provided performance feedback. Teams are coached by Dana Hogan and Scott Boylen. Mock Trial is part of the DMS Extended Learning Program.