28 MAY 2022 By Jennifer Marshall Late author Harper Lee would undoubtedly be proud of Veritas Prep’s three mock trial teams – Atticus, Scout and Jem – who participated in the state tournament and are named in honor of characters from her novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” This year, 62 teams from around Arizona qualified and competed in the Arizona High School Mock Trial Competition. There were six to eight students per team, and Veritas had reason to celebrate as Team Atticus placed first at state and Team Scout placed second. “The students receive a case file that includes the law, rules of evidence, statements of witnesses and actual evidence. They digest this material, wrestle with the rules and determine how to effectively present witness testimony and evidence persuasively for each side,” Program Director Bill Gates said. Like in a genuine trial, the students gather at the courthouse in downtown Phoenix where the teams square off against each other like plaintiffs and defendants. On each team, half of the students serve as lawyers for one side while the other half serve as lawyers for the opposing side. And just as real are the judges and lawyers who score the competition based on a point system. “Depending on the side of the teams’ assigned case, they take their position at the counsel table,” Gates said. “A judge appears and sits at the bench and calls the case. Witness by witness, the students ask questions of fellow teammates and present cross-examinations.” They argue the admission of evidence, using the rules that apply in courtrooms every day, and present opening statements and closing arguments. Mock trial ran from July 2021 to May 2022, with the national competition closing out the season. Many hours of preparation go into getting ready – practice usually takes place two to three nights a week. Team members prep on their own and as a group. Because the teams must be able to argue both sides of a given case, they must be well versed in all aspects of the issue. “Typically, the organizers try to provide a case that challenges the students and offers the chance to advocate for both sides,” Gates said. The case for this year’s competition involved excessive use of force by an individual who was engaged in security activities at a shopping mall. This individual was previously fired from a police department for various reasons – including the use of force. Gates has done more than just coach winning mock trial teams. Seven years ago, he and his wife, Judge Pam Gates, approached Veritas’ headmaster about starting a mock trial program when their freshman daughter, Emily, showed interest. Since Gates and his wife had met during a mock trial in college and won the national championship together, this program was near and dear to their hearts. He explained that the ultimate goal is for students to learn to become critical thinkers, understand how the rules of reliability guide us in evaluating what we read and hear, and develop strong oral advocacy skills. And it looks like the Veritas students excel in each of these areas! Atticus, Scout and Jem win in state mock trial competition Team Atticus members: (Back) Trinity Lindsay, Lauren Mukavitz, Sabra Ahmed, Peyton Jones. (Front) Erika Ghassemi, Corynn Gates, Claire Harris, Aubrey Klain. By Melissa Hirschl The grassy setting of Veritas Prep’s campus – with its tall trees and view of Camelback Mountain – provided the ideal venue for the school’s annual Music Festival in April. Accomplished and emerging artists provided an afternoon of rhythm and song as the audience lounged on the grass, soaking up the music and the beautiful spring weather. The headliner was Nate Nathan and the Mac Daddy-O’s, a 12-piece band that belted out pop tunes. “Our goal was to showcase our talent, bring the community together, and finish the year with a fun celebration,” Stephanie Beebe, lead committee chair, said. Drawing upon her multi-tasking skills, Beebe and her team scouted out musicians, lined up performers, marketed the event, led student and parent volunteers, and took care of setting up and taking down. “We start planning in December,” she said. “I’m so glad we have texting with these super-busy students,” she laughed. “Auditions are my favorite parts; I love watching the kids come out of their comfort zones, make an effort and shine.” Veritas is a classical liberal arts academy with a strong focus on drawing, language and the arts. Along with the festival, Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Symphony entertain students at sister school, Archway Elementary. The school’s choirs – boys, girls, and elite – also give the school a distinctive edge. “You have to audition for the elite choir each year,” performer Levi Galat, of the band Landmark Nemo, said. “We learn and perform different pieces of choral music together. In February, we go to the Jazz Madrigal Festival at NAU. We sing in front of a judge who rates the schools, and our rating this year was excellent.” Student band Calle Rosa – composed of Drake Kinerk, Ian Harders, Landon O’Rourke and Cole Kinerk – performed the grand finale of the evening. “The festival allowed us to share the music we’ve created over the last four years. Ian and I both love the sound of the 70s. That’s why we record on reel-to-reel tape and cassette decks. It’s an older and slower process, but we think it captures a full band sound,” Drake said. While the musicians shined on stage, there were behind-the-scene stars as well. “The junior class sold all the food, which was graciously donated by a parent,” Beebe said. “They got to keep the profit and apply it to their senior trip, scholarships and senior breakfast. Students also compete with their artwork for the event design and volunteer to help with stage and event setup and takedown.” Proceeds from this year’s event go to the Veritas art and music departments. There’s music in the hills – and it came from Veritas Prep Nate Nathan and the Mac Daddy-O’s. 2022 VERITAS MUSIC FESTIVAL PERFORMERS • Gio Spadafore (student emcee) • Drake Kinerk (senior/vocals/rhythm) • Ian Harders (senior/lead guitar) • Landon O’Rourke (senior/drums) • Cole Kinerk (guitar) • Levi Galat (senior/voice/guitar) • Liam Pluntke (drums/guitar) • Lana Rowland (junior/vocal) • Maddie Marquardt (sophomore/vocal/piano) • Audrey Bitikofer (sophomore/vocal/piano) • Max Groft (junior/vocals/guitar) • Ben Groft (vocals/guitar) • Peter Townsend (Veritas tennis coach and guitarist)