Students at a Bronx middle school courted success Thursday when they won a mock trial competition – the school’s second win in three years.
Seventh-graders from Middle School 145 outlawyered hundreds of other students to win the Thurgood Marshall Junior Mock Trial competition held at the Bronx County court building.
Eighth-graders from St. Ignatius Loyola School in Manhattan also came away winners.
Tina Fraser, 14, an MS 145 student who moved to the Bronx from Jamaica two years ago, said she was excited to make her case at the mock murder trial.
“My coaches, teacher and principal inspired me,” said Fraser, who also won top prize for best advocate. “We worked hard and did our best.”
Her teacher, Jim Donohue, said he is proud of the way the students handled themselves in the courtroom, especially Fraser.
“Tina is incredible,” said Donohue. “She is a hard working student.”
The Thurgood Marshall Junior Mock Trial Competition was started 11 years ago by lawyer Elizabeth Taylor.
It gives seventh- and eighth-grade students from public and private schools throughout the city a chance to compete for bragging rights.
As part of the program, students learn about the judicial system and meet with lawyers, who volunteer their time, to prepare for the mock trial.
This year’s prizes included Mets tickets, iPods, DVD players, gift certificates and a scholarship.
More than 1,000 students from 22 public and private schools participated in the program.
“It was excellent,” said Taylor. “Every year we are more surprised.”
Christopher McGoldnick, 13, who led St. Ignatius Loyola to its win, was thrilled.
“It was a lot of fun, but I am not sure I want to be a lawyer,” said McGoldnick.
