Vantage Point Mock Trial wins big at regional tournament

The Vantage Point High School (VPHS) Mock Trial program reached new heights this spring at the Adams County Regional Tournament. Represented by three dedicated teams and a total of 42 students, VPHS stood out among a competitive field of 200+ participants on 13 teams from schools including Jefferson Academy, Stargate Charter, Prospect Ridge Academy, Broomfield High School, Holy Family and Fort Lupton.

Mock Trial is a rigorous academic competition where students take on the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a simulated trial. Unlike a "drama" performance, the competition is unscripted; students must master the Colorado Rules of Evidence, deliver timed opening and closing statements, and conduct high-pressure cross-examinations. Cases are scored by real judges and legal professionals who evaluate students on their legal reasoning, professional demeanor, and ability to think on their feet.

This year, our teams tackled a Civil Liability case involving the world of social media influencers. The trial centered on a high school student, Jordan Peterson, who suffered a permanent loss of smell (anosmia) after attempting a "nasal spray beauty hack" using a dietary supplement called TheraBloom.

In a truly unprecedented feat, VPHS students took home 7 of the 14 individual awards available at the tournament, setting a new school record and surpassing our previous milestone of a single "Best Witness" award two years ago.

We are incredibly proud to recognize the following students who were judged as the top performers in their respective roles:

• Denise de Santiago Onofre – Best Taylor (Witness)
• Sasha Contrera Rodriguez – Best Riley (Witness)
• Moses Portillo – Best Emerson (Witness)
• Jasmine Mena Garcia – Best Closing Argument
• Erick Rodriguez Perez – Best Direct Examination
• Judy Williams – Best Defense Attorney and Best Overall Tournament Attorney

Beyond the trophies, the tournament was a showcase of immense personal growth. Our students navigated the highest level of academic pressure with poise and collaboration. This program’s success is a direct reflection of the support from the VPHS community.

The students would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to:

• The VPHS Staff: For your flexibility with student schedules and for providing the constant encouragement our students needed to balance their academics with this rigorous program.
• Logistics & Support: Audrey Levis for her tireless work with the "courtroom closet" and Edee Marcanno for managing the complex scheduling of these students in their already busy graduation requirements. Community Partners: Officer Tate and the Northglenn Courthouse for hosting our inter-team scrimmages, and Jacob Lofgren & Erin Grundy for their invaluable legal mentorship.
• District Leaders: Superintendent Chris Gdowski, Deputy Superintendent Beau Foubert, Board Member Amira Assad-Lucas, District Attorney Michaela Bland, and District General Counsel Kathy Shannon for coming as scoring judges for their last practice before the tournament.
• Team Captains: Many of our students went to workshops hosted by the Colorado Bar Association and their production shows. In their three years of competing, Vantage Point is looking ahead in building upon this success.
• Dedicated Coaches: Leading the three teams is VPHS teacher, Erik Carlson, who has also been learning along the way. Three years ago with 13 students, they built the first Mock Trial Team and didn't even know what Voir Dire was. Look at them now! Assisting the team is Instructional Coach, Shanna Bowden, which has been instrumental in supporting such a large contingent of students and the learning of the legal process.