KWHS Debating for the Win

BY CAROLINE SMITH

KONK LIFE STUDENT WRITER

On February 20th, the Key West High School (KWHS) Mock Trial team recently won districts at the team’s debut at the 16th Circuit High School Mock Trial Competition. They went up against both Coral Shores and Marathon High School.

They competed in staged trials with the other schools and learned how participation in government works. Moving forward, this can help students decide whether or not they would want a job in that field.

The Mock Trial Team is a new addition to KWHS this year. “We are the first Mock Trial Team in history at KWHS,” says Janelle Waite a member of the team. The co-chairs of the club are Addy Castellanos and Ciara Barrett.

Paula Mercer, a teacher at KWHS, is the sponsor of the club, and she really enjoys running it for the first time. She states that her future goals for the club arre “to become state champions.”

The club currently has 12 students, but are always welcoming anyone else who wants to join. Their practices are after school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays for the extra boost. “We were here for two hours every day to prepare,” says Mercer. These practices have helped them make it to the top.

Due to the newness of this club, you wouldn’t think they would grasp this activity so quickly. “We have only competed one time so far and have won both trials and overall.” says Janelle.

Janelle notes the team members also enjoy the club due to “it helping you learn many life skills like speaking in public and being very inclusive as a team.”

If you are interested in supporting the team, please contact Paula Mercer at (843)295-9909.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]