Mock Trial Team Wins Nationals

Washington’s YMCA Mock Trial team came home as champions, after winning the national mock trial tournament, held in Chicago, August 1-4, 2017.  The winning team was comprised of Wenatchee High School students Vivian Noyd, Xavier Martinez, Sebastian Pasion and Maks Ballard, joined by Charlotte Rogerson of Seattle’s Bush School.

In addition to the team award, Vivian Noyd was recognized as one of five top attorneys in the competition.  Noyd had previously been recognized as outstanding attorney in the Washington State tournament for both 2016 and 2017.

The team competed in four trials against other teams from across the country, eventually earning the highest total score.  The team participated in a showcase round on the final morning of the tournament against defending champion Indiana, which finished second.
Chelan County Superior Court Judge Lesley Allan traveled with the team to Chicago. “These students are incredibly poised and capable and should make all of us in Washington proud,” said Allan. “They have worked diligently for the last seven weeks to prepare for the tournament and, clearly, the hard work has paid off.”

Washington also fielded a second team for the tournament, comprised of all Wenatchee students. Wenatchee High students Estela Navarro, Sophia Castillo, Colin Snyder, Abby Simmons and Cassie Noyd, joined by Keith Heffernan of The River Academy, placed 14th overall.
The team gives special thanks to the many organizations, businesses and individuals who made a financial contribution to the trip, with special thanks to the Wenatchee Rotary and Chelan Fruit.

The team was coached by Judge Allan, joined by attorney Tracy Brandt and Westside High teacher and attorney, Frank Brandt.