TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE FORESTBROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL TEAM AND TO CONGRATULATE THE STUDENTS AND THEIR COACHES ON CAPTURING THE 2013 STATE MIDDLE SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the Forestbrook Middle School mock trial team captured first place at the State Middle School Mock Trial Championship on Saturday, December 7, 2013; and

Whereas, at the challenging title bout, several students also won special honors. Most Effective Witness awards went to Joey Kirkman, Aly Loyd, and Cecia Zavala Ramos. Sophie Stevanovich, Cecia Zavala Ramos, and Ashley Jones won Most Effective Attorney awards; and

Whereas, because a mock trial follows the procedure of the lower courts, the students who participate in them learn, among other lessons, about courtroom procedures, the people and rights involved with the legal system, and nonviolent resolution of conflict; and

Whereas, in the process, the students gain an understanding of the American judicial system, the mechanics of litigation, and the meaning of citizenship in a republic; and

Whereas, by creating their own questions for witnesses, writing opening and closing statements, and even reconstructing questions when necessary, participants use such critical thinking skills as analysis and evaluation; and

Whereas, Forestbrook Middle, which has now won its fourth state title in five years, held firmly to the victor's crown at the 2013 competition, defeating Ocean Bay in an exciting final round and propelling itself on to the next level of competition, the Battle of the Carolinas; and

Whereas, in a competition that requires mental acuity and versatility, attorney coach Audra McCall Byrd and teacher coaches Gretchen Almeida, Grace Burleson, and Stephanie Necessary used their expertise and experience to prepare the team successfully in a variety of skills; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives takes great pleasure in thanking the South Carolina Bar's Law Related Education Division for sponsoring the Mock Trial Program in our state's schools, and the members salute the Forestbrook Middle School mock trial team on reaching the top once again at the State Middle School Mock Trial Championship. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and commend the Forestbrook Middle School mock trial team and congratulate the students and their coaches on capturing the 2013 State Middle School Mock Trial Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to April Scott, principal of Forestbrook Middle School; attorney Audra McCall Byrd; and teachers Gretchen Almeida, Grace Burleson, and Stephanie Necessary of Forestbrook Middle School.