Two Decorah Middle School teams do well at State Mock Trial competition

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Two Decorah Middle School teams have brought home medals and a trophy from the State Mock Trial competition.

The eighth grade team won the 12th place trophy out of 34 teams, narrowly missing competing in the final four by only .75 of a point.  Delaynee Frey was honored as an Outstanding Witness.  Lillie Grouws was the only student in the entire competition who was named both Outstanding Attorney and Witness.

The seventh grade team placed 20th with one win and two very close losses, one by only half a point.  Leila Johnson was honored as an Outstanding Witness.

Nominated as Outstanding Witness were Delaynee Frey, Lillie Grouws, Sofie Grouws, Leila Johnson, Mitch Leschensky, Noah Lovelace, Danielle Lundtvedt, Lauren Myli, Cady Peterson, and Sam Robinson.

Nominated as Outstanding Attorney were Lillie Grouws, Emma Johnson, Leila Johnson, Annette Leschensky, and Cady Peterson.

"Both of these teams had stellar performances at state, particularly competing against Regis Middle School, an eventual semi-finalist, and losing by very narrow margins," said Carole Sand, DMS Mock Trial coach. "The 8th graders missed being in the top four by less than one point, and the 7th graders missed earning a trophy by less than one point."

Assisting with coaching at the State Tournament were Peggy Beatty, former Extending Learning Program coordinator, and Betsy Fawcett, Luther College Mock Trial Team member.