Merrill/Cowles Students Honored at State Mock Trial Tourney

Team Purple with their 12th place trophy. Pictured: (Front row) Nyah Noyes, Louise Bequeaith, Helena Anderson, Chloe O’Connor (Back row) Ellery McAlister, Alice Medick, Rachael McNerney, Coach Christina Thompson, Jane Romp, Bobby Briggs

Congratulations to students from Merrill Middle School and Cowles Montessori School on their strong showings at the State Mock Trial Tournament this week, sponsored by the Iowa State Bar Association.

The Merrill/Cowles Team Purple brought home the 12th place trophy and were awarded two top individual honors: Louise Bequeaith earned the Outstanding Witness Award and Chloe O’Connor was presented with the Outstanding Attorney Award.

And Merrill’s Team Blue was presented with the Anthony Critelli Award for Sportsmanship. As their coach, Lee Konfrst, points out: “This is not a consolation prize. This award represents who you are as people and is a reflection of how honorable you are … You’ve proven yourselves to be young adults of tremendous character.”

More than 160 middle school mock trial teams competed at regional tournaments throughout Iowa this year; only 32 were selected to go on to the State tournament.

Team Blue honored with the Critelli Sportsmanship Award. Pictured: (left to right) Dahlia Callistein, Ellie Konfrst, , Seth Kaelestad, Kate Saunders, Ellie Hildebrand, Emma Hildebrandt, Maya Miller, Sarah Schott

Thank you to the parents and teachers who volunteered their time to coach the teams, and congratulations to all of the team members:

TEAM PURPLE

  • Bobby Briggs
  • Louise Bequeaith
  • Alice Medick
  • Helena Anderson
  • Rachel McNerney
  • Oskar Kaut
  • Nyah Noyes
  • Ellery McAllister
  • Chloe O’Connor
  • Jane Romp

TEAM BLUE

  • Ellie Konfrst
  • Ellie Hildebrandt
  • Emma Hildebrandt
  • Maya Miller
  • Sarah Schott
  • Kate Saunders
  • Seth Kallestad
  • Dahlia Callistein
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