California High School students Cindy Zhu and Aarja Singh received individual accolades for their performances at the 41st-Annual California State Mock Competition which was held virtually, March 18-20.
Zhu was named an Outstanding Prosecuting Attorney and Singh was named an Outstanding Witness for playing the role of Angel Russell, who is a prosecution witness in the case of
People v. Cobey which was tried during the competition.
"These honor reflect Cindy and Aarja's commitment and dedication to the work they have put in during these competitions," said Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey. "We are proud of how they represented their school and the county. The Mock Trials competition teaches students valuable skills - teamwork and analytical thinking - and instills confidence in themselves and as public speakers. Congratulations to Cindy and Aarja."
Zhu and Singh helped California High School (San Ramon Valley Unified School District) win the 41st-Annual Contra Costa County Mock Trial competition in February. Zhu had earned honors for Outstanding Prosecution Attorney on Direct Examination and for her Closing Statement as a prosecuting attorney.
The Constitutional Rights Foundation organizes the Mock Trial competition statewide, providing case materials that are used in all county competitions. The program was created to help students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. The program currently involves 38 California counties.
For more information about the state competition, visit the
CRF website. For full results of the county mock trial competition, visit the
Contra Costa County Office of Education website.