The Venture Academy Mock Trial team and its members came back decorated with awards after competing against top teams in California.
The Venture Academy team took eighth place against the 22 teams assembled at the second-annual Beach Ball Classic held at the University of California, Irvine, Oct. 31- Nov.1.
For individual awards, Venture Academy student Sarah Ponce was one of the 12 competitors picked for the Outstanding Attorney recognition. She placed sixth among 132 competing attorneys. The award grants her a bid for the Gladiator Mock Trial tournament at UC Irvine this summer.
Fellow student Sarah Ruiz competed as a pre-trial attorney and came in second among 44 competitors.
Venture Academy student Christopher Thompson ranked first among the 22 students who played the role of trial witness Dakota Kim.
Mock trial competitions simulate a courtroom trial where students assume the role of attorneys and witnesses.
The Beach Ball Classic is held at UC Irvine and is conducted by the American Mock Trial Association President Justin Bernstein and the UC Irvine Mock Trial team.
The tournament is named for the beachside bonfire and barbecue that follows.