Knoxville Middle School’s 8th Grade Team finished 10th in the state last week after competing in the Iowa Bar Association’s Mock Trial Tournament.  Knoxville compiled a record of 4-1 while winning 11 out of 12 total ballots cast.  10th Place marks the highest finish of the Knoxville Middle School Mock Trial in the history of the program.The 7th grade team advanced from the preliminary round and ended their season at sub-state.

Mock trial is designed to introduce students to our legal system and offers students an opportunity for personal growth and achievement with an emphasis on the importance of research, presentation and teamwork. The opportunity to participate in a challenging, academic competition at the middle school level also sets our Knoxville students up for success in the years to come.

In addition to teaching students about contemporary public issues and the legal system, the program encourages teachers and students to develop learning partnerships with professionals from the community.

Individual awards were earned in addition to the team award. Maddi Day-Suhr was named an All-State Witness. Attorneys: Janie Maasdam, Hannah Dunkin, Ella Pelong & Celia Marean,(a 7th grader competing on the 8th grade team)received honorable mention as All State Attorneys and Elliott King, & Marlea Cox also received honorable mention All State Witnesses.  

This year, students took turns representing either the estate of an 18 year-old man who died due to smoke inhalation during a fire at a nightclub or they served as representation for the club owner.  Students were required to understand and argue complex legal issues involving negligence, premises liability and competitive fault.

Students have worked approximately 15 hours a week since early September, outside of normal school hours to prepare their case. Knoxville’s Middle School is coached by educator Lisa Hermsen and Marion County Attorney Ed Bull.