Trinity Pacific Mock Trial Team Makes History: Fifth in the Nation!

This spring, the Trinity Pacific Christian School mock trial team made history, and our entire community could not be prouder. After months of practice, dedication, and teamwork, our students placed fifth in the nation at the 2025 National Mock Trial Championship. From local courts to the national stage, they showed not only talent and intelligence but also kindness, humility, and grace. Their character and effort make every parent, coach, and classmate proud to call them part of Trinity Pacific.

At Nationals, Trinity Pacific faced strong teams from across the country and achieved one of the most remarkable milestones in our school’s history by finishing fifth overall out of forty-eight teams. Our students also received special honors voted on by their peers from other schools.

Star Attorneys: Brian Staub (twice), Lexi Rowlett, and Cheyenne Van Gundy

Outstanding Witnesses: Daniel Williamson, Emma Walberg (twice), and Tyler Foreman

Each award represented more than skill. It reflected the integrity, professionalism, and faith-driven confidence our students bring to every competition.

At the California State Championship, Trinity Pacific stood out once again. Four students — Cheyenne Van Gundy, Tyler Foreman, Katelyn Cheng, and Daniel Williamson — were named Outstanding Competitors for their leadership, preparation, and composure under pressure. Their teamwork inspired younger students and proved that success is built one case, one challenge, and one practice at a time.

Before heading to State, Trinity Pacific had already taken top honors at the Ventura County Mock Trial Tournament. The varsity team earned first place out of twenty-nine teams, and the JV team finished in third place.

Individual Highlights:

• 1st Place Bailiff: Lexi Rowlett

• 1st Place Witness (CJ Costly): Tyler Foreman

• 2nd Place Witness (Taylor Alexander): Tyler Foreman

• 2nd Place Witness (Dr. Rae Forrest): Gracie Cardona

• Top Defense Trial Attorney: Avery Foreman

• 1st Place Prosecution Pretrial Attorney: Katelyn Cheng

• 2nd Place Defense Pretrial Attorney: Aaden Scalise

• 2nd Place Courtroom Artist: Gwyneth An

Commitment to Excellence Awards (4 years’ participation): Elianna Beeson, Grace Byrne, Tyler Foreman, and Daniel Williamson

Team MVPs: Katelyn Cheng (varsity) & Alex Ahuja (JV)

Each student gave their best, but what made this victory truly meaningful was the way they encouraged one another, mentored younger teammates, and found joy in working together.

The Middle School team also had a fantastic season, earning third place out of twelve teams in Ventura County. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and growing confidence made everyone proud.

Highlights:

• 1st Place Bailiff: Gavven Scalise

• 1st Place Courtroom Clerk: Emma Bowler

• 1st Place Witness (Logan Gold): Rachel Walberg

• 2nd Place Witnesses: Naomi Flores (Det. Riley Kim) and Zac Nolte (CJ Costly)

• 3rd Place Witness (Harper Dorais): Ethan Wesel

• Top Defense Trial Attorney: Elle Foxworthy

Commitment to Excellence (3 years’ participation): Elle Foxworthy

Team MVP: Elle Foxworthy

Their success shows that the future of mock trial at Trinity Pacific is bright. These students are already learning how to think critically, speak confidently, and work together with purpose and joy.

All of this followed a big win at the Bay Area Bash, where Trinity Pacific’s team took first place among ten strong teams.

Individual Honors:

• 3rd Place Witness: Daniel Williamson

• 2nd Place Trial Attorney: Cheyenne Van Gundy

• 2nd Place Pretrial Attorney: Katelyn Cheng

Other schools also recognized several of our students as MVPs for their sportsmanship and skill, including Alex Ahuja, Karis Beeson, Emmalyn Bennett (twice), Tyler Foreman, Lexi Rowlett, Brian Staub, and Daniel Williamson.

What makes this season so special is not only the trophies or titles but the heart behind them. Mock trial at Trinity Pacific is about more than courtroom arguments. It is about growth, teamwork, perseverance, and faith in action. Students learned to lead with humility, speak with courage, and celebrate one another’s success. In doing so, they reminded us all that excellence shines brightest when it is grounded in grace.

Congratulations to every student, coach, and family who helped make this unforgettable season possible. You have made Trinity Pacific proud and shown what happens when faith, hard work, and community come together.