Schools

Shorewood Grabs Second Place in State Mock Trial Tourney

Though the senior-heavy team came up short, they say the opportunity to present their case in front of state Supreme Court Justices was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Shorewood High School’s mock trial team came up just short of taking state and moving on to the national round on Monday, but the second place finish didn’t diminish “their moment in the sun.”

On Sunday, Shorewood faced off against several area schools, finishing in the top two in a semi-final round and moving on to the state finals which were held on Monday, after the team garnered the most points in a regional round.

But, Shorewood wasn’t able to capture a title. Xavier High School took home the big prize after both teams presented their cases before state Supreme Court justices in the court chambers.

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Even with the loss, Shorewood's team says the experience was something they will never forget.

“It is delightful to think that they can say something many practicing lawyers can't — they have argued a case before the justices of the Wisconsin Supreme Court,” team coach, SHS social studies teacher and former lawyer Debra Schwinn said.

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Shorewood won the state championship in 1984 and 2007, but hasn’t brought home a trophy since. Finishing second in 2008 and 2009, the senior-heavy mock trial team had high hopes for this year’s competition.

And, for many of the varsity team members, it was their last chance to advance to nationals.

Senior Aaryn Kealty said while she's a little disappointed the team couldn't make it to the next round, presenting in the state Supreme Court chambers was notable.

“Never have I felt more nervous in my entire life,” she said. “Sitting before the justices on Monday was something I never would've guessed I'd be doing. Although we aren't going to nationals I'm so proud to have been a part of this team, and this is an experience I will never forget.”

Sophomore Haley Florsheim said “there are no regrets and we are very happy with the way we performed.”

“We are already looking forward to next year.”


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