by J. Kyle Rains

The Woodrow Wilson High School Mock Trial Team competed in the DISD Texas High School Mock Trial Competition on Saturday, January 21 at the George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building. After three rounds of competition, Woodrow’s team advanced to the quarterfinals. Congratulations to team members: Stephanie Arnold, Griffith England, Cal Little, Erin Overman, Caroline Peterson, Jake Schutze, Kimberly Tepera, Clark Wamre, Luke Whitten, and Matt Zeigler. Team Alternates are: Erin Choi, Rick Garrison, Maren Kauffman, Peyton Merritt, Oliver Milici, Meaghan O'Connor, Agnes Onuoha, and Leslie Scherger. Congratulations and many thanks also to Team Sponsor Catherine Pate (Woodrow Alum) and Coaches Mike Buchanan, Ed Cloutman (Woodrow Alum) and Adam Greenfield (Woodrow Alum).

Woodrow's team originated in 1978-79 and has been very successful over the decades. All members of the first team became attorneys. In 2007, Woodrow Mock Trial Team Member Thomas Simpson received "Best Advocate" at the state competition. Simpson went on to Princeton University where he was elected president of the Tigertones. In 2008 the team finished first in Dallas area competition and second in the state competition. The team went on to compete at Harvard University the next fall. The 2011 team won area competition and competed in the state finals. Brian Tepera and Harvey Tovar were voted as Outstanding Advocates of the Year.