Inside the Courtroom: Mock Trial Student Reflection

As the Redwood’s mock trial team prepares for another state appearance on March 20th, several students shared their experience about the highs, the hurdles, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Story By Leslie Nunez/ Photo courtesy Daniel Labogin/Redwood Yearbook

This year, the Mock Trial team’s dedication paid off once again.

The Mock Trial team recently competed in the Tulare County Finals and walked away as county champions, marking their third consecutive county title.

According to their advisor, Ms. Moran, the victory was the result of steady commitment and countless hours of preparation.

“Showing up two times a week after school and learning what they need to do to win has been one of the team’s greatest achievements,” Ms. Moran explained.

While trophies are exciting, the journey to earn them is anything but easy.

Amelia Fultz, ’26, explained that one of the toughest parts of a mock trial is the start of the year, building arguments from scratch and developing a clear theme that carries the case.

“Trying to figure out the themes of our arguments can be overwhelming at first,” she said.

Especially knowing those themes may eventually be tested at state competitions, and while qualifying for the State may be exciting, it’s also demanding. Mock trial students’ weekends are filled with intense rounds that require endurance, focus, and teamwork.

For Thai Dinh, ’26, consistency has been the biggest challenge this season. Staying focused and showing up to practice regularly can be challenging, even for the most dedicated students.

However, Dinh credits the team’s improved practice habits as key to helping secure another county championship.

Hector Robledo, ’26, pointed out a different difficulty with confidence. Delivering arguments in a courtroom setting requires not just memorization but presence.

Robledo explained that maintaining a confident tone under pressure can be intimidating, especially when judges are evaluating every word and gesture thoroughly.

Elizabeth Belflower, ’26, a four-year attorney, shared additional challenges. She says, “Some of the biggest challenges our team faced this season were scheduling conflicts and the pressure of keeping our winning streak.”

“We are mostly all seniors on silver, and our lives get busy, but we were able to overcome it.” Belflower says.

Despite these obstacles, each student agreed that overcoming them has been part of what makes their experience unforgettable.

Ms. Moran has witnessed that transformation firsthand. Since September, the team has worked to “make the cases come alive,” and watching students evolve from tentative speakers into confident competitors has been remarkable.

While trophies matter, personal growth is truly the greatest reward a mock trial student could receive.

Each student carries a competition they will never forget.

For Fultz, one of her proudest achievements isn’t just the team’s three consecutive country championships, although that accomplishment certainly stands out.

Instead, Fultz values how Mock Trial has shaped her as a person.

Through countless rounds and practices, she has strengthened her public speaking skills, learned to think quickly under pressure, and grown more confident as a teammate and leader.

Dinh’s proudest moment came this year when he competed in the county final round for the first time.

Not only did the team secure its third straight county title, but they also defeated rival schools such as Exeter Union and University prep victories that carried extra meaning after previous losses.

For Robledo, pride comes from something less visible but equally powerful, friendship.

Since freshman year, Mock Trial has connected him with people who remain some of his closest friends today.

In a competition built on argument and strategy, those bonds are what he values most.

Belflower stated a similar statement, she said, “My greatest achievement during my time in mock trial was the friends I made during these last four years. During my time in mock trial, I have won many different awards, but no award will be as priceless as the friends I’ve made along the way.”

Ask any mock trial student about their most memorable round, and you’ll likely hear a story. Fultz recalls two state competitions that strongly stood out to her.

Fultz said, “My sophomore year, the very last competition I did at state, the judge frustrated me a lot because he took a very long time to make decisions, which, looking back, was very funny.”

Another memory from her junior year state competition feels even more special.

Before the round began, both teams admitted how exhausted they were from the longer weekend.

Instead of letting nerves take over, they agreed to simply have fun.

The result was a spirited, sportsmanlike round that reminded her why she loves mock trials.

Dinh’s most unforgettable experience happened during his sophomore year at state when he competed against Tracy High School, the San Joaquin County champion.

He delivered one of the strongest arguments and earned the round MVP.

“I was very passionate, which is what Mock Trial is all about,” says Dinh.

For Robledo, the most shocking moment came at the county competition when the final score was a perfect 50/50 tie, something he had never seen before.

The suspense of that result made it a moment he won’t forget anytime soon.

Belflower highlighted a particularly memorable match, she says, “My most memorable competition was our competition last year when the Redwood Blue and Silver teams went against each other in the Semi-Finals. This competition is my most memorable because although both teams were against each other and only one would win, we were still able to maintain a sense of family with each other and try our best.”

While the team’s third straight country championship is a significant accomplishment, the students speak just as proudly about personal growth.

Ms. Moran noted that many of the students are heavily involved across campus, yet still make time for practices and competitions, something that speaks to their commitment.

While Robledo’s season has come to an end and Fultz has completed her final rounds, both still express excitement for their teammates, continuing to state.

Fultz described qualifying for the State is an honor that the team worked incredibly hard to earn.

Dinh is especially eager for the upcoming state competition in March.

He acknowledges that powerhouse schools from the Bay Area and Southern California often dominated, but he embraced the challenge.

“We’re underdogs,” he said, “But for me, that only adds motivation.”

Belflower said, “Just this past month, we completed and won during the final competition of the country, making Redwood the reigning champion for 3 years in a row. We are all looking forward to the state competitions in Oakland during the next month.”

These students shared their advice for future mock trial members.

If there’s one consistent message from all three students, they all encourage students to join.

Fultz encourages students to just go for it. “Mock Trial is such a welcoming community; we want more people to become interested.” She strongly emphasizes that every role matters, whether serving as an attorney or a witness; each member contributes to the team’s success.

Dinh advises new members to stick with it. “Growth takes time, and opportunities to shine often come when you least expect them.”

Robledo emphasizes the power of teamwork, listening to feedback, and building friendships.

Taking others’ notes and learning from teammates not only improves performance but also strengthens the entire group.

Belflower’s advice aligns closely: “The best advice I could give to a student who is considering joining is to just do it. There are so many different opportunities available, whether they are an attorney, witness, clerk, artist, journalist, bailiff, etc., and there is a place for everyone in Mock Trial.

“Take it from me, you will meet the best people and make friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Elizabeth BelFlower, ’26

Ms. Moran said, “Once they join, they will want to do it over and over again. It seems scary, but it really isn’t. We have teacher and attorney coaches who help students do their best.”

Together, their message is clear. Mock Trial is more than a competition; it’s an opportunity.

Beyond the gavels and carefully crafted objections, Mock Trial is about far more than winning rounds.

It’s about learning to think on your feet, speaking with conviction, handling pressure, and building long-lasting relationships.

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