Friday February 16th 2024, Ross High School’s Mock Trial team competed in the 2024 Regional Competition following their victory in the Districts Competition on January 26th 2024. This year’s case, State of Buckeye V. Espinosa, follows Ash Espinosa and their 8th Amendment legal fight to keep their 1967 Chevy Camaro from being seized by the State. Ross’ spectacular team this year includes Cynthia Hildenbrand (Ash Espinosa), Ariam Sauerland (Harley Diallo), Ashley Farris (Presley Aoki), Peyten Banks (Makani Kekoa), Conner Hudak (Prosecution/Defense Attorney), Eva Johnson (Prosecution/Defense Attorney) and Blake Johnston (Time Keeper) with Advisors Mrs Erica Farris and Mr Bill Crock.
Making it to the Regionals Competition was a huge accomplishment for the team. Ross’ Mock Trial team was a Regionals qualifier before the COVID-19 Pandemic hit. Since then, however, the team hasn’t made it past Districts. That is until this year. This year’s members were absolutely determined to make it past Districts and make it to State. And they did.
One of the aforementioned witnesses was played by Ashley Farris. Ashley has been on the team for three years. When asked about the team’s victory, she stated, “We are going to State this year, which is pretty exciting because it’s never happened for [Ross] Mock Trial before.” Farris also won Outstanding Witness in Ross’ Defense Trial at Regionals which is a huge accomplishment. When asked if she thought anyone on the team was working hard and extra dedicated, Farris had this to say about her teammate Eva Johnson, “It’s her first time being a lawyer so it’s always cool to see people who are willing to try new things.”
Johnson, who has been on the team for two years now, also plays a vital role on the team as an attorney. She and her co-counsel Conner Hudak also double-side, meaning they represent the Prosecution and the Defense. When asked to point out a teammate that she thought was working extra hard this year, Johnson had this to say about her teammate Cynthia Hildenbrand who plays the defendant of this case, “She’s my best friend and she’s just really good under pressure.”
Ross not only qualified for State but also had individual victories in the courtroom. As stated before, Ashley Farris won Outstanding Witness and Conner Hudak also won Outstanding Attorney twice. The Ross Mock Trial team obviously has some of the best legal talent in Ohio mock trial.
The Ross High Times would like to wish the team the best of luck at the State Competition. Hopefully, Miss Espinosa will regain ownership of her beloved Camaro and the Ross Mock Trial team will continue to set precedents and make history. If you are interested in joining this amazing team next school year, go see Mrs. Farris in room 257. The team comes with a lot of fun, friendship, teamwork and, most importantly, legal support.
