It was another exciting weekend in January this year. Teams from across the country gathered at the University of West Florida for the 7th Annual Argo Invitational Mock Trial Tournament. I was proud to participate.
The dispute was centered upon a criminal matter arising in the fictitious jurisdiction of Midland. College students analyzed documentary evidence, witness affidavits, rules, and law. Team members presented opening and closing statements, conducted direct and cross-examination, raised and argued a variety of evidentiary objections. And, in all fairness, they were absolutely incredible.
A few moments stick indelibly in my mind. At the conclusion of each trial, the judges take a few moments to provide critique and suggestions. I was surprised this year when a student asked if he could add something. He then publicly thanked me for serving as a judge throughout his Mock Trial career. He explained that he attended a local high school, and for four years thereafter that he has traveled to the Argo Invitational. And, in his memory, I have served as his judge in each of the resulting eight years.
I was flattered by his recognition and gratitude. In fairness, I did not judge in the Sixth Annual Argo, so perception may overcome fact sometimes. But I was impressed by his poise, graciousness, and gratitude. He recognized that it requires a commitment to volunteer an evening or a weekend to participate in a program like the Argo. It is nothing compared to the commitment that is required by these students, to read, to appreciate, to comprehend. It is nothing compared to the heart and soul that they pour into their preparation and their presentation. But, it is commitment and sacrifice nonetheless.
And to what effect? I am proud to report that I saw college students who are ready to speak publicly as professionals. They analyze critically and display an amazing level of poise and professionalism. Some will go to law school, others not. However, they have each gained valuable skills that they can employ in a variety of occupations and public service. They are organized, focused, and persuasive. I cannot overstate their achievement.
In the end, the top-placing teams were:
Hamline
University, St. Paul, Minnesota
Macalester
College, St. Paul, Minnesota
Auburn
University, Auburn, Alabama
Florida State
University, Tallahassee, Florida
University of
Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
You read that right. There were teams in Pensacola from across the south, but also from as far away as Minnesota! Eighteen teams in all traveled, gave up their three-day weekend (Martin Luther King), and displayed their preparation, skills, and expertise. I was so proud of their energy and dedication.
I was so proud of the event organizers. For the last seven years, I have marveled at the dedication and organization of UWF's Dr. Kimberly McCorkle and Dr. Susan Harrell. I am certain that there are a great many other Argos whose contributions are at the foundation of the Invitational success. And, there were 42 professionals who gave up a part of their three-day weekend and judged the many rounds, provided the scoring and critique, and made the whole experience the best it could be for all of those students. I have listed their names below.
Coincidentally, as this is published, the Florida Law Related Education Association High School Mock Trial competition preliminaries are underway here in Pensacola. I was on the bench last night and will be again tonight. First, because I enjoy it. Second, because it is so easy to lament "these kids today" (sounding like my grandfather), but if you take some time to come see these students it will restore your faith in our future. They are your tomorrow and are worthy of your time and investment.
Thanks to the Argo Invitational Volunteer Judges:
Alan Bookman
Lynn Brauer
William
Brightwell
Chris Crawford
Kathleen Cano
Brandon Caraway
Christine Cook
Shane Dean
Hon. Darlene Dickey
Shekka Drayton
Ed Fleming
Brenton Goodman
Hon. Ross Goodman
Susan Harrell
Ariele L.
Harshbarger
Nancy Hartjen
Chris Janes
Kathy Johnson
Kia Johnson
Rodney Johnson
Elona Jouben
Hon. David Langham
Pamela Langham
Stephen Luongo
Jonathan
Mayes
Chrisandra Nash
Sarah Olive-Smith
Charlie Penrod
Geoffrey Pittman
Valerie Prevatte
Shelley Reynolds
Michele
Schamberger
Ralph Schofield
Kellie Sparks
Michael Stallings
Clayton Taylor
John
Unzicker
Luke VanFleteren
Thomas Williams
Greg Wise
Chuck Young
Amanda Ziegler
