Port Huron High mock trial team prepares for state finals

Nathan Borowski is ready to get into character.

The 16-year-old from Port Huron will take the stand Saturday as Pat Nugent Siriusz to testify in the trial of his father’s murder. The Port Huron High School freshman will compete in the state finals of the Michigan Center for Civic Education’s 2012 mock trial tournament in Lansing.

For Nathan, the motivation is simple.

“Honestly, I like to argue,” he said. “I get to step into the portrayal of somebody else … It’s actually a lot of fun.”

Laura Mitchell, a Port Huron High School and coach of the mock trial team, said the 10-person team includes students in the roles of prosecuting attorneys, defense lawyers and witnesses. While some, such as Nathan, enjoy the dramatic aspect of the mock trial tournament, others see it as preparation for a future legal career.

Capac High School also has a team going to the state finals, Mitchell said.

Joshua Kenny, a senior at the high school, has been on the mock trial team for four years, but he still gets nervous before performing his role as the lead defense lawyer in the case.

The 17-year-old from Port Huron said mock trial is a good exercise as he eventually wants to practice law. Joshua said he likes being able to work with real lawyers and explore the work that goes with the field.

For the mock trial, students take provided case materials and turn that information into a court scene, Nathan said. Those playing lawyers also have to put together opening and closing statements.

“It really does take a lot of work and effort and determination,” Nathan said.

In the past couple of weeks, team members have been honing their skills during regular practice sessions every week day, Joshua said.

He said he can’t wait for the competition Saturday.

“It will be really cool to see how we stack up against everybody else,” Joshua said.

Published:Port Huron Times Herald, March 22, 2012

By: Julianne Mattera

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