| FCA RED HOMESCHOOLERS. HMMM, THREE NATIONAL CHANPIONSHIPS SINCE 2002. NOT TOO SHABBY SO, FOR HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL,WHERE DOES THE BUCK STOP? 
This picture was taken at the airport in Philadelphia as we waited to board. Rather than random musings, which I'm sure I'll do enough of later, I'll just paste the press release below: CHATTANOOGA HOMESCHOOL TEAM WINS AMERICAN MOCK TRIAL INVITATIONAL! A team of homeschool mock trial students from Chattanooga , Tennessee won the American Mock Trial Invitational on Friday, May 4, 2007, at the New Jersey Law Center on the campus of Rutgers University . In the final round Family Christian Academy defeated a team from Washington State , making this FCA’s third national title since 2002. “We are honored and blessed,” said Chattanooga attorney Jeff Atherton, coach. Mr. Atherton has coached the Chattanooga homeschool teams for sixteen years. Assisting Mr. Atherton this year were Chattanooga attorney Nathaniel Goggans and teacher-coach, Jennifer Toombs. FCA finished second in the 2007 Tennessee State competition, and was advanced to compete in the AMTI national tournament sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation and the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers. “Three seniors will graduate,” Mr. Atherton said. “They felt the job was not complete after the state competition.” “Our team has worked hard and set a goal of competing nationally,” agreed Kyle Johnson, team captain. “The AMTI was the spectacular opportunity for us to do just that and we had fierce competition.” “Mock Trial has been, without question, the best experience of my high school years,” said Mock Trial attorney, Meredith Toombs. Her twin sister Megan, agrees, “We’ve learned how to argue effectively and speak persuasively, I can’t think of anything else that could better prepare us to go into the world and make a difference.” Ethan Hargraves, a long-time veteran of Mock Trial and the third senior on the team said, “Mock Trial is the best thing you can do prior to pursuing a career in law, but even if you don’t choose to become an attorney, the life skills are invaluable.” At the competition, Megan Toombs was judged best witness in two of the four rounds and Ethan Hargraves, was judged best attorney in all four. In addition to the three senior students, the team consists of juniors, Jeffrey Atherton, Jr., Abigail Cox, Kyle Johnson, Jay and Nate Kinard. Sophomores include Stephen Cox, and David Hill while Mary Lynn Johnson is a freshman. The team wishes to convey their deep gratitude to the many people and organizations that have assisted, encouraged and supported them. “We appreciate being able to do the thing we love, Mock Trial; competing together, representing Chattanooga and Tennessee well and building friendships that will be life lasting.” reflects Kyle Johnson. Finally, sorry about the delay in posting. More pics will come soon, as well as additional posts. Later! |
