MRH students spent three days at the Jackson County Courthouse in Independence, MO, competing against the best 16 mock trial teams from across the state. The MRH Blue Devils defeated Rockhurst High School of Kanas City to emerge as all-class State Champions. 

The quest for the championship began with preliminary and regional rounds in St. Louis County to advance to State. Throughout the season, the undefeated MRH team won trials against Rockhurst, Priory, Clayton, Excelsior Springs, Kadimah Academy, SLUH, Chaminade, John Burroughs, and defending state champions Francis Howell North. 

Mock Trial competitions allow students to act as attorneys and witnesses in cases tried in real courtrooms, using area attorneys and judges to vote on winning teams. This year's case was a first-degree murder trial. 

The winning varsity team included: Dakota Colbert, Odessa Javier, Graham Colvin, Enzo Gilbonio, Joseph Lin, Lucy Schmidt, Jack Funke, Kaelyn Kalagian, Daniel Matz, Vera Pantazis, Chance Terelmes, and Jo Kaplan. The team is coached by high school teacher Rich McCollum, along with attorney coach-advisors Nelson Mitten, Gina Mitten, and Jenny Schmidt. 

The win qualifies the team for the National Championship Tournament in May.