Danville High School Mock Trial team advances to state competition after strong season

In courtrooms across Ohio, high school students step into the roles of attorneys and witnesses, presenting arguments, questioning testimony, and debating constitutional issues. Among the best of them this year are seven students from Danville High School, whose dedication and talent carried them through the District Mock Trial Competition in January and the Regional Competition in February, earning them a place at the Ohio Mock Trial State Competition held March 12–14 at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court in Columbus.

The accomplishment places Danville among the top programs in the state. Out of approximately 350 teams that compete in the Mock Trial program each year, only the top 26 teams advance to the State Competition. For Danville High School, reaching this stage has become part of a proud tradition. The school has advanced to the state level competition 15 out of the past 17 years, demonstrating the consistency and dedication that define the program.

The Mock Trial program at Danville High School has deep roots in the community. Jim Holmes, a former history teacher at Danville High School, founded the local Mock Trial team in 1995, creating a program that would grow into one of the most respected in Ohio. Since its founding, students have gained valuable experience in critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork while learning about the legal system.

In recognition of Holmes’ lasting impact, the school’s primary competition team is known as Team Holmes, honoring the founder who helped establish Danville’s Mock Trial tradition. This year’s team included Narissa Holbrook, Nya Holbrook, Madysen Cochrun, Kyra Blackshear, Zander Patrick, Gracie Lucas, and Lilliana Furay. Together, the students spent months studying legal concepts, preparing witness testimony, and refining courtroom strategies to compete against some of the top academic teams in Ohio.

Among the team members are several students whose involvement with the program stretches back many years. Senior Narissa Holbrook has participated in Danville’s Mock Trial program since seventh grade, bringing six years of experience to this year’s state competition. Over time, she has developed strong courtroom skills and public-speaking confidence that have strengthened the group’s performance.

Cochrun has also been involved in the program for six years, developing her own expertise in witness testimony and courtroom presentation. Over the years, Holbrook and Cochrun have worked closely together in competition, often partnering as attorney and expert witness. Their teamwork has become a strength for the group, with Holbrook guiding the questioning from the attorney’s table while Cochrun delivers detailed expert testimony from the stand. Their familiarity with one another’s style and preparation allows them to anticipate questions, respond smoothly under pressure, and present a clear and convincing narrative to the judges.

Patrick shares a similar journey. Also, a six-year veteran of the program, Patrick has steadily refined his courtroom advocacy throughout his time at Danville. During the first day of the state competition, he was recognized as an Outstanding Attorney for his performance in Danville’s opening-round victory. Patrick plans to pursue a career in law after graduation, a path that reflects the skills and interests he has developed through years of Mock Trial competition.

While veteran members bring experience, the team's strength also comes from the preparation and commitment of the entire group. Nya Holbrook, Blackshear, Lucas and Furay each played key roles in developing testimony, preparing legal arguments, and presenting the case during competition. Together, the students spent months reviewing case materials, practicing courtroom procedures, and preparing for the challenges of trial.

Over the years, Danville’s Mock Trial students have earned numerous individual and team awards through district, regional, and state competitions. Their continued success reflects both the students' talent and the strength of the program that supports them.

Participating in Mock Trial requires students to master a wide range of skills. They must analyze evidence, understand legal arguments, and respond to questions under pressure while maintaining the professionalism expected in a courtroom. Cochrun explained what it takes to participate in the program, saying, “You need to be able to communicate well with people.”

The program also helps students develop confidence in public speaking and presenting ideas before an audience. Nya Holbrook emphasized that benefit, saying, “By participating in this program, it builds a lot of public speaking skills.”

The work involved in preparing for each competition is extensive. Students must learn detailed case materials, memorize testimony, and be ready to respond to questions from opposing attorneys and judges. Blackshear, a senior who portrayed a witness this year, described the preparation involved.

“There is a lot of memorizing and preparation because you need to be ready for random questions. Each team has a prosecution and a defense. We like to bring in an expert witness to the stand. Each witness has their own personality.”

The 2026 Mock Trial case, titled State of Buckeye v. Morgan Remy, explored issues involving privacy, technology, and the Fourth Amendment. The fictional case centered on the 2000 murder of Caleb “CJ” Jansen, a warehouse worker found strangled in his apartment. Although DNA evidence was discovered under the victim’s fingernails, the case remained unsolved for 25 years.

Years later, a high school student uploaded DNA to a genealogy website for extra credit, unknowingly triggering a chain of events that led investigators to a suspect. The defense argued that using third-party DNA without a warrant violated the Fourth Amendment, while prosecutors argued that the investigative method was a legitimate law enforcement tool.

On the opening day of the state competition, Danville faced Cuyahoga Heights High School and delivered a strong performance, earning a victory and setting a confident tone for the tournament. The following morning, the team faced Perrysburg High School. Although Danville once again delivered a solid performance, Team Holmes was eliminated after the trial. During that same round, Blackshear was recognized with the Outstanding Witness award for her convincing testimony and strong portrayal on the stand.

The team’s continued success is supported by volunteer legal community advisors who mentor students throughout the season. Danville’s Mock Trial program is guided by Attorney Noel B. Alden of Zelkowitz, Barry, & Cullers Ltd. in Mount Vernon, Attorney Brittany Whitney, Assistant Law Director I with the city of Mount Vernon, and Associate Attorney Daniel Alden of Zelkowitz, Barry, & Cullers Ltd. in Mount Vernon. Their mentorship helps students understand courtroom procedures, develop case strategy, and strengthen the legal arguments presented during competition. Attorney Noel Alden praised the team’s preparation and reputation, saying, “Everyone in the state fears this team when they walk in the room.”

The Mock Trial competition is organized by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to civic education and student engagement with the legal system. Sponsored by the Supreme Court of Ohio, the Ohio Attorney General, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the ACLU of Ohio Foundation, OCLRE provides hands-on learning opportunities designed to help students understand government, law, and the importance of active citizenship.

Today, Ohio Mock Trial has grown into the largest non-athletic academic competition in the state and one of the largest mock trial programs in the country, with thousands of students participating each year.

In addition to Team Holmes, Danville also fielded a second Mock Trial team this season. Team Two included Natalie Price, Ana Abila, Leilah Escalante, Jordan Crane, Riley Malone, Adriam Hood, Natalie Cozza, and Carma Warwick, and advanced through districts to regional competition. Together, both teams reflect the continued strength of Danville High School’s Mock Trial program and its commitment to academic excellence.

For students like Narissa, Madysen, Kyra, and Zander, years of preparation have helped them think critically, speak confidently, and collaborate under pressure. As Danville’s Mock Trial tradition continues, these students carry forward a legacy of excellence — one that has produced countless awards and continues to inspire future leaders, advocates, and professionals in the field of law.