Gifted Students Shine at State Middle School Mock Trial Competition

Thirty-three Carlsbad middle school students traveled to Albuquerque on November 8 to compete in the 2025 New Mexico Middle School Mock Trial Program at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Courthouse, with PR Leyva’s Team YT bringing home top honors.

Team YT earned the prestigious Mock Trial Excellence Award for exceptional teamwork, preparation, and participation, competing against 36 teams from across the state. PR Leyva student Aaliyah Gonzalez also captured third place overall in the Courtroom Journalist category.

The competition, organized by the Center for Civic Values, challenged students to argue a complex criminal case: State of New Mexico v. Jesse White. In the case, defendant Jesse White stood accused in connection with the death of Jane Margoline, who died from an oxycodone overdose. Prosecutors alleged that White supplied the fatal pills, while defense teams worked to create a reasonable doubt.

Months of Dedicated Preparation

The journey to the courthouse began in August, when 22 gifted and talented students from PR Leyva and 11 from Alta Vista Middle School committed to intensive preparation. PR Leyva students worked on a mock trial during their gifted elective class and stayed after school every Wednesday for additional practice. Alta Vista students also dedicated their gifted elective class time to the program.

Under the guidance of coaches Andrea Ruiz and Katie Olivas, students learned to dissect the case from every angle. They developed critical thinking skills, crafting pointed questions for witnesses while witnesses memorized their statements in preparation for cross-examination. Students mastered courtroom decorum, learning proper legal terminology, how to speak on their feet, and how to project confidence under pressure.

“One of the biggest challenges was the ability to speak from memory,” the coaches noted. “Students had to learn to trust in themselves to be able to do what needs to be done.”

The program dramatically increased students’ ability to speak in front of an audience, transforming nervous middle schoolers into poised advocates. This growth was evident in their powerful courtroom statements.

In her opening statement, prosecuting attorney Ariana Patel proclaimed, “Reckless actions have deadly consequences.” The defense, Stetson Olivas, countered with equal force, “The prosecution’s case is a rickety house of cards built on consequences and assumptions.”

Each team was divided into prosecution and defense groups, with carefully assigned roles mirroring a real courtroom. Both sides featured two attorneys, two witnesses, a timekeeper, a courtroom artist, and a journalist, giving each student a vital role in the trial process.

Community Support Makes the Difference

The students’ success was bolstered by support from the local legal community. Several Carlsbad attorneys volunteered their time to work with the students, providing professional insights and helping them refine their courtroom skills.

Rihanna Saiz and Natalie Nelson served as chaperones for the trip to Albuquerque, helping coordinate the day’s activities and supporting the students throughout their competitions.

The Center for Civic Values Middle School Mock Trial Program provides students with hands-on experience in the American legal system while developing critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills. Through this experience, Carlsbad’s gifted and talented students not only demonstrated academic excellence but also embodied the values of fairness, respect, and civic engagement.

For PR Leyva and Alta Vista Middle Schools, the November 8 competition represented months of hard work, dedication, and the commitment of educators and community members invested in developing the next generation of civic leaders.