The Mock Trial team from Caddo Parish Magnet High School has emerged victorious at the Louisiana State Championship held in Baton Rouge, earning the prestigious opportunity to compete at the National tournament in Wilmington, Delaware. This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and talent of the team members who skillfully embody the roles of “lawyers” and “witnesses” in simulated legal proceedings.
Caddo Magnet High mock trial team roster
The 2024 State-winning roster includes Anika Alla, Arjun Desai, Ndeye Gueye, Hailey Huguet, Ben Menard, Kyrsten Thompson, and Kennedy Varner. Alternates Parker Alleman and Faith Montgomery will also join the team at Nationals in May, showcasing the depth of talent within the Magnet High Mock Trial program.
Caddo Magnet’s mock trial history of excellence
Renowned for their excellence, Magnet High’s Mock Trial Team has a history of success, boasting multiple Louisiana State championships and previous top 10 placements at Nationals. This year’s triumph at the State level was particularly noteworthy, with all four teams in the elimination rounds at the regional tournament hailing from Magnet. Both the “A” and “B” teams secured victories, with the “A” team clinching the State title by defeating rival Jesuit New Orleans in a thrilling championship showdown.
In mock trial competitions, high school students assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses, engaging in simulated civil or criminal trials against opposing teams. The skills honed in these competitions can lead to lucrative scholarships for collegiate and law school pursuits. While some schools offer mock trial as an elective class, Magnet High’s program operates as an extracurricular club activity, relying on the dedication of students, faculty, and attorney coaches.
Community support for nationals
As the national tournament approaches, the team faces the logistical challenge of covering expenses for travel, accommodation, and meals during the six-day event in Delaware. With a fundraising goal exceeding $10,000, donations from local businesses, attorneys, and community members are essential to support the team’s journey. Contributions can be made to Caddo Parish Magnet High School, earmarked for the Mock Trial Team, and are tax deductible.
The 2024 winning team received guidance from faculty advisors Karen Soileau and Carrie Anderson, along with volunteer lawyer coaches Sarah Smith, Nancy Berger-Schneider, and Steve Soileau. Their collective efforts, alongside the invaluable contributions of local attorneys and judges, underscore the collaborative spirit that fuels the success of Caddo Magnet’s Mock Trial program.
For further information about the program or opportunities to volunteer, please contact Karen Soileau by email at ksolieau@caddoschools.org or Carrie Anderson at canderson2@caddoschools.org.
