After a rigorous seven months of trial and error, the mock trial season has finally come to a close as the team attended their emotional awards ceremony this past monday, April 23rd.  The nineteen students comprising the JV and varsity teams were each recognized for their tremendous yearlong effort, with Sierra Meisner, 11, awarded best attorney, Noah Durrance, 11, snagging best witness (to the surprise of no one), and Gaby Stenholm, 12, honored with Most Valuable Teammate.  However, it was not only students who were recognized on Monday night. The team extended their heartfelt appreciation for their coaches- a teacher (new coach Mr. Anderson) several public defense attorneys, and most notably, one very dedicated counselor.

Mr. Eden, Coronado’s sq-z counselor, began attending mock trial rehearsals in September.  Despite his own busy schedule and the adjustments that came with being a brand new counselor at Coronado, Mr Eden was willing and eager to take on the extra challenge and commitment of proctoring mock trial.  Even with no prior experience on the mock trial team, Mr. Eden became the go-to coach for all the teammates’ needs as the season progressed. A regular supervisor of rehearsals, Mr Eden provided feedback on students’ performances.  His unwavering sense of friendliness and positivity certainly never went unnoticed.

“Mr. Eden always made us felt respected and appreciated. He was not only there for motivation, but for advice as well,” varsity attorney Sierra Meisner, 11, stated.  Even when the team faced difficulties such as a shortage of team members, Mr Eden was a constant source of support to the students and to his fellow coaches. Varsity attorney Izzy Wilson, 11, noted that Mr Eden quickly learned the complex mock trial rules of evidence in such depth that he helped her write the majority of her examinations.  And when the stressful time came for the varsity team to progress to state, Mr Eden came along to ensure that the trip went as smoothly as possible. “No matter what, we knew we could count on Mr. Eden to be there for us,” Sierra said, noting that Mr Eden consistently did his best to give insight into even the most complicated legal conversations and never hesitated to check up on struggling teammates.  “Everything he does in the counseling office for students, he did in the courtroom for our teammates. He was incredibly reliable.”

Mr Eden was recognized monday night with an award for most improved coach, and every member of the mock trial team hopes to see him as a leading coach in the 2018-19 season.  So if you’re looking to get involved on Coronado’s legal scene next fall, rest assured that you’ll have a dedicated and demonstrative coach/counselor to help you along the way!