A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE THE MOCK TRIAL TEAM FROM PALMETTO ACADEMY FOR LEARNING AND SUCCESS FOR WINNING THE SOUTH CAROLINA BAR'S 2023 STATE MIDDLE SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION.

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is proud to recognize the Palmetto Academy for Learning and Success Middle School Mock Trial team for winning the South Carolina Bar's 2023 State Middle School Mock Trial Competition; and

Whereas, the winning team members include Josh Basile, Julian Bermejo, Callie Bernabe, Madocks Bordas, Griffin Coleman, Connor Curry, Charlotte Knox, Porter Knox, Julia Moran, Nathan Robles, Olivia Robles, Cailyn Rosenthal, Jude Thompson, Ashlyn Woodward, Lila Yancey, and Rhys Young; and

Whereas, this year, the team presented the plaintiff and defense sides of a fictitious civil case, "Harrelson v. Forrester Flight Company", and the team was judged on its presentation skills rather than the legal merits of the case; and

Whereas, the Mock Trial Program develops critical thinking during pressured circumstances and helps students hone other key skills such as collaboration, adapting to different audiences, reading critically and matching material facts with elements of the law, cultivating an understanding of the legal system, critical thinking skills, problem analysis, and teamwork; and

Whereas, the Palmetto Academy for Learning and Success Middle School Mock Trial team has flourished under the leadership and guidance of Teacher Coach, BJ DeCerbo, Attorney Coach, Ariyana Gore, and Assistant Teacher Coaches, Abby Bray, Paula Mazei, David Rosenthal, and Ryan Rosenthal; and

Whereas, the team's victory indicates a high level of knowledge and skill possessed by its members and is an outstanding accomplishment deserving of recognition. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate the Palmetto Academy for Learning and Success Middle School Mock Trial team on winning the South Carolina Bar's 2023 State Middle School Mock Trial Competition.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the team's Teacher Coaches, BJ DeCerbo, Abby Bray, Paula Mazei, David Rosenthal, and Ryan Rosenthal, and Attorney Coach, Ariyana Gore.

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