On the recordMay 5, 2010
The National High School Mock Trial Competition is the premier national law-related academic tournament for high school students. Mock trial programs are designed to give students an inside perspective on our legal system, providing them with an understanding of the mechanism through which society chooses to resolve many of its disputes. Participation in a performance-based, hands-on program of this nature provides students with a practical knowledge about how our legal system operates and who the major players are in that system. Mock trial programs help develop young citizens who can sustain and build our Nation by making a reasoned and informed commitment to democracy. Students of Mount Carmel High School have earned the right to represent the Northern Mariana Islands in this year's national competition in Philadelphia. They will compete with teams from around the country. Mount Carmel students have a tradition of excellence in oratory. The school represented the Northern Mariana Islands in the National We the People program 2 years in a row. Mr. Ryan Ortizo, one of the members of this year's competition in Philadelphia, just won first place in the CNMI Attorney General's Cup competition. One has to admire and be proud of the dedication of the students and the commitment of the teaching staff at Mount Carmel School for instilling the passion for debate and public speaking year after year.
