Andrew Ostendorf

Mock Trial members from Gold and Green team last year pose for a picture in front of the OCLRE building in Columbus. “We all put in so much work [last] year. I know [this] year we’ll come back improved and ready to win!” said Ogunbodede.

This year’s Mock Trial team members met for the first time on September 25, marking the beginning of the new season of the law-related club. There were a couple of changes for the new year, including the departure of former Mock Trial advisor Mr. Andrew Ostendorf and the arrival of new advisor Ms. Abigail Stapleton. However, current advisor Ms. Holly Metcalf has stayed on as an advisor, as well as co-presidents Ifedelope Ogunbodede, 12, and Paige VanderBrink, 12.

In Mock Trial, club members mimic courtroom trials. Each year, a new case is released by the OCLRE (Ohio Center for Law Related Education) and Mock Trial members compete in competitions on the side of the plaintiff or the defendant.

Each Mock Trial Team consists of four attorneys and four witnesses, or two attorneys and two witnesses for each side of the case. Two teams will represent SHS this year: Gold Team and Green Team. Four non-competing members also joined the team.

For the 2025-2026 year, the Mock Trial case focuses on the ethical dilemma regarding DNA evidence in a murder trial–specifically genealogical testing and how it relates to the fourth amendment and a person’s right to privacy.

At the last meeting, team members reviewed the case file before ultimately picking a side–defense or prosecution—and a witness to direct. Students also thoroughly read through the case file and began building case strategies for their side. Before the next meeting, students will explore case law and objections.