2025 SBAND High School Mock Trial Competition
In March, SBAND hosted its annual High School Mock Trial Competition in Bismarck. Talented high school students from across the state showcased their legal knowledge and skills. Teams from Alexander High School, Oak Grove Lutheran School, Sheyenne High School( two teams), and Stanley High School competed in the mock trials, demonstrating their understanding of the American legal system.
Volunteers served as presiding judges and scoring judges for the competition, contributing expertise and insight to the event. These judges included Rebecca Altman, Justice Douglas Bahr, Justin Balzer, Trent Barkus, Brooke Benson, Eric Edison, Haley Finch, Carey Goetz, Ryan Hestbeck, Omid Kardoust, Nicholas Nelson, and Emily Rouse.
The SBAND High School Mock Trial Program is an exciting and educational initiative designed to introduce students to the intricacies of the legal system. This program offers an opportunity for personal growth, honing skills in communication, critical thinking, reasoning, public speaking, and teamwork. Students gain invaluable experience by working alongside experienced attorneys and judges, learning firsthand about trial procedures and legal principles.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 SBAND High School Mock Trial Competition:
Best Witnesses:
• Alexander High School: Tylan Womelsdorf
• Oak Grove Lutheran School: Lauren Holstad
• Sheyenne High School: Mithul Sathish
• Sheyenne High School: Lucas Lyson
• Stanley High School: Ella Mortensen
First Place: Courtroom Artist
• Alexander High School: Vivian Lundeen
The SBAND High School Mock Trial Program continues to provide students with invaluable experiences that will serve them well in their future academic and professional pursuits. This competition not only helps prepare students for careers in law but also fosters critical thinking and teamwork that are essential in all aspects of life.
The winning team advanced to the 2025 National Championship in Phoenix May 7-10. The North Dakota Bar Foundation generously sponsored the winning team ' s travel to the national competition.
First Place: Alexander High School
• Teacher: Amber Severson
• Attorney Coach: Judge Daniel El-Dweek
• Team Members: Tylan Womelsdorf, Eleanna Hokenson, Teija Hokenson, Brooke Rykhus, Ben Honstein, Garrett Rider
Second Place: Oak Grove Lutheran School
• Teacher: Dr. Jean Sando
• Attorney Coach: Aubrey & Peter Zuger
• Team Members: Ellie Ahlfeldt, Carolyn DeJong, Lauren Holstad, Rhys Runnels, Taylor Uecker, Beck Ulven, Aidan Zuger
Third Place: Sheyenne High School Mock Trial Club
• Teacher: Mrs. Homuth
• Attorney Coach: Nicole Bredahl & Taylor Kuznia
• Team Members: Reagan Koppelman, Elena Weng, Brendon Mason, Abbey Totenhagen, Eli Nyberg, Mithul Sathish, Cohen Raimo
Additionally, the following individuals were recognized for their exceptional performance:
Best Attorneys:
• Alexander High School: Teija Hokenson
• Oak Grove Lutheran School: Rhys Runnels
• Sheyenne High School Mock Trial Club: Reagan Koppelman
• Sheyenne High School: Mayanma Konneh
• Stanley High School: Avery Ellis
FIRST PLACE: Alexander High School
SECOND PLACE: Oak Grove Lutheran School
THIRD PLACE: Sheyenne High School Mock Trial Club
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