Mock trial team heads to competition

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

The Flagler County Teen Court Mock Trial Team is sharpening its skills in preparation for the Feb. 24 competition, at the Clay County Court House.

The team, which is made up of students 10 to 18 years old, will try the case of State of Florida vs. Jason Harwick, a fictionalized murder case in which the defendant will claim self-defense.

At the competition, the Flagler prosecution team will go up against another county’s defense and vice versa.

“They have to know the case inside and out,” said Marian Irvin, Flagler County Teen Court coordinator. “Everything about a trial is preparation.”

Irvin was asked to create the Teen Court program in Flagler County in 1994. In the past, the students have competed in Volusia and Duval counties.

“When juveniles want to make themselves better, want to do good in the community, it’s important for positive adults to help out and volunteer,” said Ashby Underhill, of the State Attorney’s Office, who is assisting the prosecution team to plan and prepare for trial.

But according to one parent, it’s more than learning law and acting out a character.

“There’s so many aspects of it — of building not just their character but their self-esteem. And that’s what’s really important,” said Colleen McFarlane. “Miss Marian has been a really strong influence on a lot of these kids.”

McFarlane said that Teen Court has given her daughter, Solara Prastalo, a view of the real world, pleasant and not pleasant.

Prastalo, who used to be shy, said Teen Court and the mock trial team have helped her speak in front of people better. She said she might even be interested in studying law one day.

To donate to the program, call 313-4559.

MOCK TRIAL TEAM
Prosecution Defense
Melissa Boyles Ashton Craig
Ra’mel Adams Brandy Greenwood
Benjamin Jones Elizabeth Townsend

Witnesses
Lee Kim Jason Harwick
Ayden Craig Jayson Dwyer
Sam Lynch Pat Robinson
Marcus Louis-Jeune Christian Galvis
Carmen Nicols Dana Moorad
Jozefina Lugo Solara Prastalo
Carah Sanders Linden Murphy
Merrill Roth Crystal Rhodes
Sebastian Micalizzi Alexus Clark

Clerks
Jade Louis-Jeune Kendall Herrington

Adult Panelist
Judge Dennis Craig