For the sixth time in the last seven years, Knoxville High School’s Mock Trial program has secured a spot in the Iowa State Mock Trial Tournament.

This year, Knoxville fielded two competitive teams in the Iowa Mock Trial Regional competitions. Knoxville’s first team competed in the Davenport Regional, where they split ballots in the first round, but faced a loss in round two, ultimately placing 5th out of six teams. Knoxville’s second team delivered a first place finish  in the Council Bluffs Regional, earning a spot to the State Mock Trial Competition, which will be March 27-29 in Des Moines. They scored nearly 80 points more than the second-place team. 

Team members of Knoxville’s state-qualifying team include:

• Attorneys: Aubrielle Wheelock (8th Grade), Kinsey Overton (Indianola)
• Witnesses: Averie Staton (8th Grade), Rian Rowley (KHS junior)

The following students also earned individual honors for their performances:

• All-District Outstanding Attorney: Janie Maasdam (KHS senior)
• All-District Outstanding Witness: Tyler Bull (KHS freshman)
• Honorable Mention Attorney: Celia Marean (KHS junior)

Students who earned recognition at the Davenport competition include:

• All-District Outstanding Attorneys: Sophie Morgan (Pleasantville), Owen Atwater (7th Grade)
• All-District Outstanding Witness: Zjair Hernando (KHS sophomore)
• Honorable Mention Witnesses: Noa Bauer (8th Grade), Emma Ellis (Pleasantville) 

This year’s teams were coached by KCSD teacher Lisa Hermsen, Iowa Deputy Attorney General Ed Bull, and Assistant Marion County Attorney Bryce Volk. Iowa’s High School Mock Trial Program, organized by The Iowa State Bar Association, provides students with an opportunity to step into the roles of attorneys and witnesses, honing their public speaking, legal analysis, and critical thinking skills. Teams prepare both prosecution and defense cases for a fictional trial, arguing in front of real judges and attorneys in a simulated courtroom setting.