Kutztown seventh-graders describe life-changing mock appellate-court trip to Philadelphia

Seventh-grade students told the Kutztown Area School Board on Monday that a five-month Randell Center program and a visit to a federal courtroom in Philadelphia helped them understand how the judicial system works and boosted their public-speaking skills.

"I was amazed by this experience as I was able to share my speech and answer questions from a real judge," said Cash Lau, a seventh-grade student, describing the courtroom setting and the U.S. seal on the chamber wall. Henry Ravenel said the program helped him consider a career in law, adding that sessions with legal professionals clarified how the First Amendment and evidence rules operate. Carl Lampard, who served as a student justice in the mock appellate argument, described preparing questions, wearing robes and the difficulty of reaching a unanimous decision when a judge could not vote.

Teacher Miss Patton and board members thanked the students and the many outside partners who supported the trip, including judges, attorneys and the Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement. The board said the district did not incur expenses for the trip because the Rendell Center funded travel and programming. "We feel free to partner with them again next year," a board member said while congratulating the students.

Students credited the experience with strengthening confidence and critical thinking. "Public speaking is a skill everybody should have," Isla Estrada said, adding that she felt more comfortable speaking in class after the trip. Another student said the exercise taught that many legal questions are not purely black-or-white and that deliberation is part of the process.

The presentation closed with the board and superintendent congratulating students and staff; the board suggested making the Randell program a recurring opportunity for future seventh-grade classes. No formal action was required or taken on the presentation.