Whether he is practicing with the band, serving at church, or in a court of law, Jack Johnston is observed from my spot “in the bleachers” as being one amazing young man.
“It kind of appealed to me, but I didn’t really know why at first,” says Jack. “There is a lot of work that goes into it, but the payoff you get at the end is worth it.” The work includes plenty of practice with real attorneys who give their time to support the Mock Trial Club. In addition to working with attorneys, the students are given a packet of material that includes rules, objections, and testimony in order to prepare for trial. “It was like analyzing a piece of literature,” says Jack. “We pretty much picked it apart.” 
The Mock Trial team is made up of all four grade levels who prepare together for competition in February. “I was nervous on the stand at first,” says Jack. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it got easier.” The competition at the county level produces three teams that go on to the state level.
Overall, the experience was a good one. Jack made friends on all grade levels and finds the law a possible career path. “It taught me to look at things objectively,” says Jack. “There couldn’t be any self-centered bias.” With lessons that can be applied to all walks of life, the Mock Trial experience opens up a variety of pathways and experiences for students. For Jack Johnston, that pathway might just lead to a career in the courtroom. In the meantime, listen out in the fine arts hallway for the talents of a freshman drummer who knows the value of a well-balanced life.
