Each year in Mock Trial, students simulate a case chosen by the Civics Learning Project. This year, members of the Mock Trial team at Lincoln will imitate a civil case, Honeycutt Carnival v. Snow. 

The case involves an influencer who spread misinformation on their platform about an amusement park and was consequently sued by the park. This misinformation later resulted in the amusement park shutting down. 

The head coach of the Mock Trial, Mara Schlachter thinks the case’s subject is especially unique this year.

“It’s a really interesting one, and it’s one of the most relevant subjects that we’ve had in many years,” said Schlachter. “I think we’re all having amazing conversations and learning a lot.”

Mock Trial members are practicing constantly for competition. Senior Oliver Terrett, a team leader, shares his experiences practicing this year.

“We meet on the weekends. … We’re here until eight … We strive to be better in terms of our knowledge,” said Terrett.

Terrett also applauds the new initiatives on the team and their success.

“A lot of [Mock Trial] is now more directed by us team leaders, which I think is new. We’ve got a lot more hands-on help from the coaches, and we’re working with actual lawyers,” said Terrett.

Sophomore Olly Kelly reflects on how these changes have affected the team this year.

“We are a lot more focused than last year, and we’re moving faster,” said Kelly.

Milo Sameck is also a team leader of Mock Trial, and he has taken up an active role in helping the other members stay organized and focused.

“It’s a lot of work and a fair bit of pressure,” said Sameck, “but I’m enjoying being in charge and helping other people grow and learn their roles and get ready for the competition this spring.”

However, this year they aren’t only learning about the case itself. In the competition, members say, they develop skills to help them later in life, like teamwork and public speaking. They also create strong friendships with their fellow members.

The team has set high expectations for their performance this year.

“I’m very excited. I think the [team] has a lot of potential. I think we’ll definitely be going to State and the dream is Nationals,” said Sameck.