The International Community School Mock Trial Varsity Team competed recently at the YMCA mock trial state competition in Olympia.

The team placed fourth in the competition, the highest rank any International Community School team has ever placed.

The following individual awards were also given:

Outstanding witness: Olivia Abouelheiga, Clare de Young, Aiden Trigg-Hauger and Isidora Vukusov.

Outstanding attorneys: Alexandra Bartos-O’Neill, Nisha Behrman, Sonia Jaidka and Nihal Thapa.

The varsity team includes Clare de Young, Adam Davis, Alexandra Bartos-O’Neill, Sonia Jaidka, Nihal Thapa, Stephanie Wang, Iggy Ungureanasu, Aiden Trigg-Hauger, Isidora Vukosov, Dorothy Jiang, Nisha Behrman, Koa Inn, Andrei Morozov, Olivia Abouelheiga, and Inga Shurnayte. Advisors are Ted Over, Kimberly Allen, Mary Levenson and Royce Roberts.

Founded in 1987, YMCA mock trial is offered in local YMCA’s, schools and community groups. By providing access to teens and encouraging their participation in the judicial branch of our government, teens acquire the leadership, team building and public speaking skills that lead to the development of active and engaged citizenship.

The event provides an opportunity for students to participate in a competitive high drama courtroom showdown between teams from around the state.

Through researching case law, working with team members and arguing legal issues in front of real judges and lawyers, teens are provided hands-on learning opportunities that will assist in the development of the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to lead the next generation.

View a full list of the final standings at www.youthandgovernment.org