Norwin students, parents urge board to keep mock trial; board asks them to consult principal and resubmit

Roman Ola, a Norwin High School student, told the Norwin School District Board of Education that removing the school's mock trial program would silence a space where students learn to “question, to reason, and to advocate.”

Corey Kanicki, a parent and former school counselor, and students Carter Kanicki (a junior) and Lucas Bram (a senior) also spoke during public comment, describing mock trial as a program that builds public speaking, critical thinking and real‑world courtroom skills and urging the board to keep it.

“Mock trial gives students the opportunities to explore the law field and understand what it means to be a lawyer,” Roman Ola said. “Students grow their public speaking, critical thinking, debate, and teamwork skills.”

Corey Kanicki said he has watched students practice outside the school day and that the program helps students bond with teachers and peers. “It's just a special thing,” Kanicki said. “So I want to support it and stand behind the students and the teachers.”

Carter Kanicki described the social and practical benefits of the club and how it helped him narrow career interests. “Mock trial has provided me with so many valuable experiences,” he said. Lucas Bram said the program is small (he estimated “probably 12 to 15” students) but that each participant is dedicated and that the activity builds confidence and relationships.

A board member responding to public comment said the board had previously returned the mock trial recommendation to the high school with suggested revisions. The board asked the students and teachers to meet with Dr. Chobey (the high school principal) to address the board's earlier feedback and to resubmit the proposal. The board member told the students the board would consider a resubmitted request as soon as it could, likely at the next monthly meeting in November, noting there is no December meeting scheduled.

The board did not take a formal vote on the mock trial program during this meeting; the direction recorded in the meeting was to have the sponsors and students consult with Dr. Chobey and restart the submission process so the item can be reconsidered at a future meeting.

The public comment segment drew multiple student speakers and at least one parent speaker. The board described its prior action as feedback that could be addressed without extensive additional requirements and encouraged a quick resubmission if the program sponsors wished reconsideration.