‘Elite of the elite’
Andrew Wainer
FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- Fountain Valley High School fought a close battle last
week and won Orange County’s mock trial competition.
The final of six rounds was held last Thursday night at the Central
Justice Center in Santa Ana.
Fountain Valley, which took second place two years ago, beat its hometown
rival Los Amigos in what the judges of the contest called a battle that
was “too close to call”.
“These two teams are the elite of the elite,” Judge James Stotler said
before the winner was announced.
This year’s trial dealt with controversy surrounding a fictitious high
school club. The case, People vs. Rose, dealt with a pledging club member
accused of poisoning the senior club members after they allegedly abused
her and rejected her membership.
The team’s performance trying the case was judged by seven members of the
local legal community. Five were members of the Orange County Superior
Court, one was a public defender, and one was president of the county bar
association.
A cry of joy burst from the dozens of Fountain Valley students, parents
and staff gathered in the courtroom as Fountain Valley was proclaimed the
winner.
“I’m pretty elated,” said Fountain Valley team member Tristan Jean. “It’s
been tough and, at times, tedious. But now it’s paid off.”
“This is wonderful,” Christine Baron, Fountain Valley teacher and mock
trial coach, said between hugs and kisses from supporters. “These kids
worked really hard.”
Fountain Valley will now compete in March at the state-level competition
in Sacramento.
The mock trial, which was sponsored by the Constitutional Rights
Foundation of Orange County, counted 48 high schools among its
participants this year.
The competition took place over six days in November and December.
Members of the two final teams, most of whom are seniors, spent hundreds
of hours preparing for the competition.
Julie Nguyen, who performed as an attorney for the Los Amigos team, said
practicing for the competition was a full-time job.
“I’ve never worked so hard for anything in my life,” Nguyen said. “It’s
been overwhelming. We put in 35 hours a week.”
Although some Los Amigos members were visibly distraught by their loss,
coach Jim Obracker said he “couldn’t be more proud” of his team.
“This was like a Super Bowl game that went into overtime,” Obracker said.
“If we had to lose to any team, I would want it to be Fountain Valley.
They were really classy.”
Though disappointed, Obracker said he looks forward to spending more time
with his wife, who is four months pregnant.
“The team will have to mend some broken hearts,” he said.
Fountain Valley, meanwhile, will take a break before starting up practice
again in February, Baron said.
Baron added that the winter holiday break would be heartily welcomed by
herself and the Fountain Valley team.
“It’s time for a rest,” she said.
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