News

Santa Catalina School went out on a high note in the 2023 Monterey County mock trial contest.

The team went two-for-two over four rounds of competition, placing fifth overall, with the defense winning their final appearance on February 9. Cindy Dai ’23 won an award for best Defense Pretrial Attorney.

Fifteen students were involved in mock trial this year, with a healthy mix of new and experienced participants. The team studied the case since September and wrote all of their own direct and cross examinations along with pretrial arguments, opening statements, and closing arguments.

The case involved a stage actor aboard a cruise ship who was accused of assaulting their co-star and stealing the victim’s ring, reputedly owned by William Shakespeare.

"All of the students on the Mock Trial team put in a tremendous amount of hard work this year. Everyone spent many long hours preparing for trial,” said their faculty coach, English teacher Beth Jones. “During the two weeks of the competition, everyone performed beautifully in their assigned roles as attorneys, witnesses, and court officials as they met and exceeded expectations. I am beyond proud of all their success."