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Lewiston High mock-trial team cleared to attend national competition; committee approves $6,000 funding request

Lewiston School Committee · February 3, 2026

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Summary

The committee unanimously approved a field trip request for 17 Lewiston High students to attend the national mock-trial competition in Des Moines May 5–10. The team has raised roughly $20,000 of an estimated $26,000 total; coaches requested the committee consider a $6,000 gap.

The Lewiston School Committee unanimously approved a field trip for 17 Lewiston High School mock-trial students to attend the national championship in Des Moines, Iowa, May 5–10, the committee learned Feb. 2.

Coach (Mister) Shepherd described the trip schedule: travel on Tuesday, check-ins and scrimmages Wednesday, workshops and attorney-judge mentorship Thursday, and official competitions Friday and Saturday with return Sunday. Shepherd said the team currently has approximately $20,000 in funds and estimates total trip costs around $26,000, leaving a funding gap of about $6,000. He said fundraising and carryover school board funding have already covered most expenses and that coaches will continue community outreach to raise remaining funds.

Members discussed logistics and safeguards. Shepherd confirmed hotels will have pools but students will not be allowed to use them; chaperones will include Abigail Rusher, a chemistry teacher, and Shepherd, and volunteer lawyer-coaches are expected to serve as on‑site chaperones. Members suggested district help promote fundraising through social and local-business outreach.

After questions about the number of students (17) and chaperones, Member Jensen moved to approve the field trip; Member Bowden seconded. The committee proceeded with a roll-call vote and recorded unanimous approval.

The approval covers the trip request; the superintendent noted that any additional funding request from the district would be considered separately, with the administration continuing work to identify possible budget sources while encouraging further fundraising from outside donors and student contributions.