Spotlight on Education: Saint Stephen

BRADENTON – The Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School Mock Trial Team is competing at the State Competition representing Circuit 12, which includes Manatee, Sarasota and Hardee Counties.

The competition, which began on March 5, 2014, will take place over three days. The Saint Stephen’s team will be competing for the title of state champion against 16 other circuit winners.

“We are always so proud of our students, and the students involved in the Mock Trial team are no exception. It’s always a pleasure to watch them in action; their talent is exceptional,” said Dr. Janet Pullen, Head of School at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School. “The School gave them a spirited send off to the competition knowing they will represent our School well, and we are excited to hear the results of the competition next week.”

Students at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School are required to try out for a spot on the extracurricular Mock Trial team. This is the 18th time in 21 years that the team representing Circuit 12 has been from Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School. The team this year includes team captain, Zhuo Zhao, fellow seniors Henry Bernet, Will Drogt and Katya Zavhorodnya, sophomores Sabel Duncan and Julien Freij, and freshmen Miranda Carrassi and Alana Shukovsky.

The purpose of the Florida High School Mock Trial Competition is to stimulate and encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of the American Legal System as students participate actively in the legal process by playing the roles of attorneys and staff. Students are given a trial packet in advance with a fictional case created specifically for the competition.