Foundation Allocates Funds to Support Willow Glen High School Mock Trial Team as it Advances to State Finals
At its March meeting, the Foundation voted to join the Performing Arts Boosters and the Parent Club in allocating $780 each to support Willow Glen High School’s Mock Trial Team. Days earlier, the team won the Santa Clara County Mock Trial Competition – and the honor of representing the county in the State Finals to be held in Riverside (see below) – requiring funds to cover hotel and transportation expenses. Foundation members felt that the students’ hard work and success should be supported, especially given the clear alignment with the Foundation’s goal of supporting 21st century learning – including collaboration, critical thinking, and public speaking. Although the Foundation does not typically fund club activities, this allocation represents a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on the school and on a level of accomplishment that is inspiring to the entire community.
Willow Glen High School Wins Santa Clara County Mock Trial Tournament
Willow Glen High School Mock Trial team member Peter Tamura is questioned on the stand as the presiding judge Hon. Jacqueline Arroyo looks on.
San José, CA (March 1, 2013)—Last night the Willow Glen High School Mock Trial Team defeated the team from Monta Vista High School to win the Santa Clara County High School Mock Trial Tournament. The win marks Willow Glen’s first mock trial county championship and advances them to the state championship in Riverside on March 22 – 24.
Willow Glen was undefeated entering the final round of the tournament, having defeated Santa Clara, Pioneer, Saratoga, Mountain View, Sobrato and Los Gatos. In the final round, Willow Glen argued their case as the prosecution, winning narrowly by a score of 406 to 397. Anni Guptill, a member of the prosecution team said after the team’s victory, “It was such an honor to take part in the mock trial competition, our team worked extremely hard and was exceptionally coached. We are all so very excited to have won and look forward to representing Willow Glen High School and Santa Clara County in the state championship.” This was the second year in a row that Willow Glen was in the final.
Bottom Row L to R: Lizi Doar, Maiya Rodocker, Coach James Scharf, Donald Franks, Michelle Dion — 2nd Row: Nick Kane, Sylvia Lutze, Anni Guptill, Peter Tamura — Back Row: Morgan Sprinkles, Travette Copeland, Max Callahan, Emily Kulers, Willem Bowman.
Not pictured: Jeremy Scharf and Mason Scharf.
Of the 15 current team members, 12 of them are expected to return next year to defend their title. Continue reading →
