MVCTC Pre-Law Students Compete in the 42nd Annual Ohio Mock Trial Competition

01/29/2025

On Friday, January 17, Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) Pre-Law students showcased their legal skills at the 42nd Annual Ohio Mock Trial Competition. The event, held at the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, was sponsored by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE) and the Dayton Bar Association. MVCTC students joined over 2,000 participants from across Ohio in the district-level competition.

Each fall, high school teams statewide prepare a trial based on a case developed by a panel of judges, lawyers, and legal professionals. This year’s case, Denver Saidi v. Wyatt Latu, examined defamation and the impact of generative AI technology. The lawsuit, filed by Trillium High School Principal Denver Saidi, sought to remove a deepfake video that allegedly harmed their election campaign. MVCTC fielded two teams representing both the plaintiff and the defendant.

Junior Team:

Attorneys: Kylee Jones (Brookville), Kiyah Frazier (Preble-Shawnee), Ella Young (Miamisburg), Brady Samlick (Valley View)
Witnesses: Sevinch Umiyeva (Wayne), Kori Snyder (National Trail), Lexi Lebsack (Preble-Shawnee), Elana Stroud (Carlisle), Aubrey Hall (Bethel), Emma Moody (Valley View)
Timekeeper/Bailiff: Audrey Sorice (National Trail)

Senior Team:

Attorneys: Kennedy Allen (Brookville), Sa’Nai Wallace (West Carrollton), Brayton Gray (Eaton), Samantha Romm (Carlisle)
Witnesses: Mercedes Eichelberger (Arcanum-Butler), Emily Etter (Brookville), Jacey McQueen (Eaton), Amaiya-Mae Winston (Trotwood-Madison), Aleah Bloomfield (Brookville), Juliana Hauser (Eaton)
Timekeeper/Bailiff: Selina Shortes (Tri-County North)
Alternate: Sofia Jones (Preble-Shawnee)
Mock Trial Assistant & Rule Consultant: Zach Albright (Valley View)

From October through January, MVCTC students dedicated themselves to preparing legal arguments, organizing trial strategies, and refining their courtroom skills. Their hard work paid off, as they impressed the judges with their preparation, questioning techniques, and well-reasoned objections.

Special recognition was given to two students for their outstanding performances: Emma Moody and Jacey McQueen each earned the Best Witness award for their respective trials.

Congratulations to the MVCTC Pre-Law team and their instructor, Jessica Savage, Esq., on a fantastic performance!

OCLRE is a non-profit organization committed to educating students about the legal system and civic responsibility. The Supreme Court of Ohio, the Ohio Attorney General, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio Foundation support OCLRE.

Recent Articles

01/27/2025