On Friday and Saturday, the Frisco CTE Competitive Mock Trial team competed at the State competition, and came in first place, defeating Uplift North Hills Preparatory in the final round and Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet in the semi-finals.
The CTE team has come runner-up three years in a row prior to this years, and were hungry to break that streak. Two members, co-captains Kishen Sargur and Christine Han, have been on the team since freshman years, and have been a part of placing second for three years. The two started out as witnesses, leveled up to attorney, and have now helped lead the team to victory in their senior year.
“It feels like everything I’ve worked for all these years has had a real purpose,” Sargur said. “It’s given me faith that effort does cause growth, and although it might not have seemed like it at the time, every little thing was worth the time and sweat it took to do. I feel so proud of my team, and this win secured my already strong belief in each and every one of its members.”
The third attorney, senior Mia Duttarer, joined the team as a junior and alternate, but quickly obtained an attorney position senior year guiding witnesses and setting examples for the team.
“Winning state as a mock trial attorney felt incredible, especially after all the hours of preparation,” Duttarer said. “As a second-year team member and alternate witness last year, I knew the importance of hard work. As an attorney, I also focused on encouraging my teammates, sharing strategies, and helping them succeed. I believe in leading by example, and I hope to inspire others to put in the work and support each other. Our success is a team effort, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
The next step for the team is nationals which will be hosted in Phoenix, Arizona. The problem, exhibits, and witness statements will all be new and so will the opposing teams Frisco CTE will go against.
“This is uncharted territory for us,” Han said. “Last year the Texas team, Booker T, placed second, but they had gone to nats before, unlike us. This will be completely new as we have no idea what our opponents will be like, but I’m confident we will work to face anyone we go against.”
