88R24580 BPG-D
By: Goldman H.R. No. 1197
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The mock trial team from Covenant Classical School
in Fort Worth won first place at the 2023 Texas High School Mock
Trial Competition; and
WHEREAS, Administered by the Dallas Bar Association Mock
Trial Committee, the competition was established in 1979 to deepen
knowledge of the courtroom environment among students interested in
careers as lawyers, public speakers, and politicians; the exercise
shows how the legal system works in everyday life while encouraging
critical thinking and quick analysis; and
WHEREAS, More than 20 high school teams from across the state
participated in this year's competition, arguing a hypothetical
criminal case; judges and attorneys performed the role of jurors,
and students portrayed a variety of trial participants, from
defense or prosecution attorneys to witnesses; and
WHEREAS, Competitors were evaluated on the basis of
preparation and presentation; in addition to the first-place
trophy, the Covenant Classical team received the Team
Professionalism Award, conferred by their peers; individual honors
were garnered by senior Sophia Foster, named Outstanding Advocate,
and senior Jonathan Fredricks, who received honorable mention in
the Best Advocate and Best Witness categories; the team further
included Emerson Espanet, Elizabeth Farah, Nancy Jageman, Bridgett
Kennedy, Daniel Keyes, Ellie Monwai, Sachi Monwai, Gracie Patel,
Emma Pharris, Nate Smith, and Claire Tollefson; they benefited from
able guidance of coordinators Scott Fredricks, an attorney, and
Judge Josh Burgess; and
WHEREAS, Before advancing to the state competition, the team
took home top honors at the regional level for the sixth consecutive
year; the members are now set to represent Texas at the 2023
National High School Mock Trial Competition in Little Rock,
Arkansas, in May; and
WHEREAS, The members of the Covenant Classical School mock
trial team have demonstrated exceptional dedication and a true
commitment to excellence, and their accomplishments are a source of
great pride to their families, their school, and their community;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Covenant Classical School mock
trial team on winning first place at the 2023 Texas High School Mock
Trial Competition and extend to the members sincere best wishes for
continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.