Hillcrest HS Mock Trial Team Advances to State Competition

The Hillcrest High School Mock Trial team, including Tondalaha Davis, Darlena York, Darnell Gilton, Eniola Awoniyi, Lardell Clark, Savannah Wooden, Alexus Woods, Moriam Yarrow, Taylor Winbush, Pierre Tutson, Mashell Rush, Torrence Martin, Raqeeb Yarrow and Erika Ezife, earned 1st Place at the Cook County Court Sixth Municipal District Mock Trial Competition that was held at South Suburban College. The team competed and won against TF South High School in the first round and Rich South High School in the second round. They were then selected for the final round against Mother McAuley High School. “Saturday had to be one of the best days of my life. The team worked hard to prepare for the case and although we had some bumps during the competition, we prevailed and took home 1st Place; something I have been wanting for four years now. I guess what they say is true, the more prepared you are the greater you do,” said senior and past Outstanding Counsel winner, Tondalaha Davis. This year, Darlena York won Outstanding Counsel for her arguments, examination and objections. “Winning best attorney is very humbling and I didn’t do it all by myself. I had the help of my awesome co-counselor Tondalaha Davis and my experienced coaches, Mrs. Katrice Matthews and Ms. Caroline Snyder. Our hard work and dedication helped us win 1st Place,” commented, Darlena York, junior and returning counsel. The team will advance to the State competition to be held April 2 & 3 at the University of Illinois Law School in Urbana, IL.