The Rhinelander Team poses with Wisconsin Supreme Court justices in March. This was the team's 15th state championship.
May 19, 2010 – Months of dedicated effort and strong presentation skills helped students from Rhinelander High School finish 16th out of 44 teams competing at the National Mock Trial Championship in Philadelphia from May 6 to 9.
In Philadelphia they were matched against teams of six to twelve high school students from other states in a highly competitive program that follows the basic rules and structure of a “real” court trial. The National High School Mock Trial Competition is the premiere national law-related academic tournament for high school students.
Participants gain unique insights into the justice system and develop research and presentation skills they will use throughout their lives. Rhinelander High School team member Cooper Henckel was singled to receive the 2010 “Alan R. Boynton Award,” indicating that he was selected as the best lawyer by at least two separate panels of judges.
“Mock trial competition helps high school students develop and test critical thinking and public speaking skills while exposing students to the atmosphere of a real life legal situation,” said State Bar of Wisconsin Public Education Committee chair Lindsey Draper. “During the tournament these students hone their skills and participate as witnesses and lawyers in a case. Critical to the evaluations of the competing teams are how well the students respond to testimony and objections – how well they ‘think on their feet,’” added Draper, who was one of the judges chosen to select the winner of the championship round.
Attorneys Mike Bloom and Jim Jacobi have volunteered thousands of hours as attorney coaches for the Rhinelander team, with 16 and 19 years respectively. Kathy Vick-Martini is the teacher coach.
The Rhinelander team competed against approximately 100 high schools from statewide in March to earn the right to represent the state at the national level. This was the school’s 15th trip to the national competition, where it has earned the national title and second place.
