Independence High School’s Mock Trial Team capped off an impressive season with a strong showing at the Ohio High School Mock Trial Regional Competition. After advancing from Districts, the Blue Devils competed among 16 top teams in the region, demonstrating skill, professionalism, and poise in closely contested trials.
At Regionals, Independence earned a hard-fought victory over Padua Franciscan High School and competed in a tightly matched round against St. Edward High School. Although only three of the 16 regional teams advanced to the State Competition, the Blue Devils proudly represented Independence with integrity and determination throughout the event.
Sponsored by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE), the High School Mock Trial program provides students with an authentic, hands-on experience exploring the law and judicial system through simulated courtroom trials. Students take on roles as attorneys and witnesses while building critical thinking, collaboration, and public speaking skills.
The Independence team included Vinny Carmean, Carmen Chen, Jules Cherny, Gio Hasrouvni, Matthew Liepert, Sahej Rai, Adriana Randjelovic, Rylee Shepard, and Maya Toth. Their advancement to Regionals reflects months of preparation, legal analysis, and teamwork.
At the District Competition, several students earned individual recognition for their performances. Adriana Randjelovic received a “Best Attorney Award” for her outstanding advocacy during trial, while Gio Hasrouvni and Vinny Carmean were each honored with “Best Witness Awards” for their compelling courtroom portrayals.
At the Regional Competition, Gio Hasrouvni and Vinny Carmean were again awarded Best Witness recognition in their respective trials — an impressive accomplishment at such a competitive level.
The team is led by longtime advisor Wayne Benos, whose dedication and mentorship continue to provide students with meaningful opportunities to grow in confidence and professionalism. Under his leadership, Mock Trial remains a program that challenges students academically while preparing them for future success.
While the season concluded at the regional level, advancing to Regionals and competing among the top teams in Northeast Ohio marks a significant accomplishment. The experience gained, lessons learned, and skills sharpened will undoubtedly strengthen the program for years to come.
Congratulations to the Independence High School Mock Trial Team on an outstanding season.
