Mock Trial prepares for regionals

GJHS students practice for upcoming regional and state tournaments

Amelia, Breedlove • February 13, 2026

GJHS junior Mock Trial member Johnathon DeJesus participates in “Kali Camp”. This is an exercise where Mock Trial members recite terms used by attorneys in a court of law to Mock Trial Coach and family attorney Kali Roundy-Lockwood.

The GJHS Mock Trial team is preparing their case for the 2026 Western Slope regional tournament.

GHJS social studies teacher Mark Carris coaches Mock Trial and has been working here for 26 years. The regional tournament will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, Mar. 1 at the Mesa County Courthouse.

“I think we have a very good chance at qualifying for the state tournament… We lost some very good people, but I think this team is every bit as capable of finishing very high at state again,” said Carris.

Grand Junction High School’s mock trial team placed 9th in the final rankings of last year’s state tournament. The school also ranked 3rd in professionalism.

“[Going to state last year] was definitely a lot of pressure because we hadn’t been in a long time, but it was a great experience, and honestly, I’m hoping to go again this year,” said GJHS junior and Mock Trial captain Riley Smith.

The team has practice after school Monday through Wednesday. The mock trial team has 3 months to prepare the case after the release at midnight on Nov. 1.

“I look forward to the time when the team has the case done, and it’s just a matter of polishing it and fighting it out with other teams,” said Carris.

New members can join next year by talking to Carris as it gets closer to November. Specific times for the trials aren’t yet listed, but the trials can be watched live on YouTube on the channel “Colorado Bar Association High School Mock Trial.”

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Lincoln McQuade, Managing Editor

Lincoln McQuade is a GJHS senior and this year’s Managing Editor. This is his second year on the staff and his first as an editor. Lincoln enjoys playing the guitar and bass, and he is very excited to be a prominent editor this year.