The 2025 Iowa High School Mock Trial Tournament took place March 27-29 in Des Moines. Mock trial is an activity in which students are given either a mock civil or criminal case to prepare for and argue in a mock trial against other teams, in front of judges. Each team consists of a plaintiff/prosecution side and a defense side. The teams have to prepare to argue the case from both sides. This year, 32 teams came together to argue a civil case surrounding the death of a college student during a university sanctioned activity.
Four of the five Marion teams competed at the state tournament, with Marion’s Team Logos taking home a 6th place trophy. After two days of trials, Marion’s Team Ethos qualified for the semifinal and championship round play, where they won the state title! (Team Ethos, pictured, from left to right: Coach Dana Miller, Cayden Schlee, Sophia Beers, Greta Hansen, Josiah Dean, John MacDougall, Jake Miller, Olivia Coates, Bennett Kautz, Sam Proctor, Sophia Greco.)
Several Marion mockers also received All-State Outstanding Awards given to students based on nominations from the judges. Grace Dean and Bennett Kautz were awarded All-State Outstanding Attorney awards. Sophia Greco, Sam Proctor, Wren Rediger, and Renae Rundle were awarded All-State Outstanding Witness awards.
Marion’s Team Ethos will advance to the National High School Mock Trial Tournament in Phoenix, Arizona on May 9-10 representing the great state of Iowa! Congratulations Team Ethos on your outstanding achievement - we are so proud of you!
Contact: Dana Miller, dmiller@marion-isd.org