[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE SOUTH BEND ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL TEAM

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                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
victory of the South Bend Adams High School team in the National Mock 
Trial Competition. The championship culminates a year of successes for 
the ``Usual Suspects,'' a team which won its second straight state 
championship. It was the perfect finish to a season full of intense 
training and practice. The victory caps a record of twelve state titles 
in the thirteen years of the mock trial program at Adams.
  The exceptional members of the Adams Mock Trial team include: Josh 
Courtney, Jenn Deeter, Eilis Smith, Chris Silvestri, Adam Kern, Gabe 
Young, timekeeper David Kern, and student coaches Kieran Neal and Allie 
Soisson. The team was led to victory by coaches Lucas Burkett and 
Professor Jay Tidmarsh and faculty advisor Judith Overmyer.
  Mock Trial competition involves not only knowledge of the law, but 
also the ability to plan both defensive and prosecutorial strategies 
and act the parts of lawyers and witnesses. The Adams team prepared a 
cunning defense and excelled at portraying believable witnesses and 
convincing lawyers while developing their communication, research, and 
organizational skills. Chris Silvestri distinguished himself among the 
participants by earning the ``Best Witness'' award.
  The Adams Mock Trial team has achieved a memorable ending to an 
extraordinary year of competition. I offer my congratulations to the 
members of the team, the coaches, John Adams High School students, 
faculty and staff. I also offer my thanks and congratulations to 
members of the community, including local attorneys and judges, who 
supported the team on the road to this impressive accomplishment. The 
Adams Mock Trial team has represented Indiana, the City of South Bend, 
their school and themselves with excellence and distinction.

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