USPS Publication Number 16300
T h is C o m mu n i t y N ewsp a p er is a pu bl ica t ion of E sca m bia / S a n t a Rosa B a r Assoc ia t ion
Se r v i ng t he Fi r st Jud icial Ci rcu it
Section A, Page 1
Vol. 19, No. 14
Visit The Summation Weekly Online: www.summationweekly.com
April 3, 2019
1 Section, 8 Pages
Gulf Breeze High School takes top honors in mock trial competition by Hon. David Langham The 2019 Florida Law Related Education Association (FLREA) Mock Trial Competition was a tremendous event in the First Circuit, due in no small part to the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association (ESRBA). Originally, eight teams signed up to compete. Due to scheduling conflict, only six teams eventually participated. But, that represented a significant increase in participation nonetheless. This program persistently features phenomenally poised, practiced, and prepared young people. Their enthusiasm and dedication are simply inspiring. These are young people of the local community, preparing for their futures through a rigorous academic endeavor. They are supported by dedicated attorneys, teacher coaches, and sponsors. In recent years, there has even been one high school principal that attends to support. There were also familiar faces in the audience, former members of these teams. These young alumni have transitioned from student to mentor. Their return to support their high school team epitomizes the strong character and citizenship of the students that are persistently involved in this competition. These are student citizens that are engaging their communities
and building skills. These are students of which we should all be proud. Throughout the planning and execution of this event, the competition was supported by ESRBA Executive Director Jeff Nall. And, it was indeed a proud moment when Young Lawyer President Jessica Etherton presented the awards following the final round. There is great value in these students, parents, and coaches witnessing the engagement of our local bar association. The top three 2019 First Circuit finishers were Gulf Breeze High School, Tate High School, and Catholic High School. With the generous financial support of the Escambia Santa Rosa County Bar Association Foundation, Gulf Breeze traveled to Orlando to compete in the FLREA state competition. They finished fourth in Florida. The team was also honored with a professionalism award and one team member was named best witness overall in the state competition. None of this would be possible without the many hours volunteered by local attorneys and judges. The following judged rounds in the First Circuit competition: Hon. Gary Bergosh, Hon. Amy Broderson, Ryan Cardoso, Shekka Drayton, Hon. Jennifer Frydrychowicz,
Susan Harrell, Hon. Michael Jones, Kylie Kennon, Joseph Kirkland, John Mahoney, Aaron McCurdy, Thomas Moody, Travis Morock, Haley Mull, Hannah Nowalk, Valerie Prevatte, Tara Said, Kerry Schultz, Hon. Kera Smith, Andrew Spencer, Kelsey Stone, Tesha Stoner, John Terrezza, Hon. Elizabeth Timothy, Hon. Roger Vinson, Hon. Jonathan Walker. This competition just would not be what it is without all these fantastic volunteers. Every round was presided over by a state, federal, or administrative judge. Special thanks are due Shekka Drayton and Aaron McCurdy for filling in for additional rounds on short notice to cover other volunteers’ unexpected urgencies, truly above and beyond the call. The competition was also fortunate to have volunteer student timekeepers from Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida Legal Studies program; yet another example of community and student mentorship. It is inspiring to see college students volunteering in support of a valuable high school activity in the community. Finally, this Circuit is privileged that the Escambia Santa Rosa County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division provides significant
annual financial support for this competition. Their generosity allows this competition to proceed in the courthouse, which requires payment for security services. It is their financial support that allows the competition to bestow trophies and other recognitions to these phenomenal local students, recognizing their hard work. Without the support of
the Bar Association and Foundation, the First Circuit competition would simply not be all that it is. The First Circuit communities, schools, students, and parents are grateful for your time, your contributions, and your support. Local leaders look forward to this competition each year, and look forward to seeing all of you again in 2020.
Second place team from Tate High School
Third place team from Pensacola Catholic High School
WE’RE SOCIAL
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA