Mock Trial Victory for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School (STA)

Ordot, Guam – The Mock Trial championship competition between Academy of Our Lady of Guam and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School was held on March 19, 2010, at the Guam Supreme Court. The prosecution team (AOLG) and the defense (STA) argued a motion to suppress evidence and subsequent statements by the defendant, citing the unreasonableness of the search. Presided by U.S. Magistrate Judge Joaquin V.E. Manibusan, Jr., the final match was judged by Associate Judge Philip F. Carbullido, Attorney Basil O’Mallen, and Attorney Mike Pangelinan.

The judges’ unanimous vote confers to the St. Thomas Mock Trial team its second island-wide championship. Last year, the team was awarded the Professionalism Award in the Annual National High School Mock Trial Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. This year’s competition will be held in Philadelphia, PA., in early May, and the St. Thomas team will represent Guam.

According to Chief Justice Robert Torres, “The Judiciary of Guam organizes the High School Mock Trial competition annually to expose students to the noble profession of law. The mock trials have proven to be an effective learning tool for students to develop useful knowledge about the law, questioning techniques, critical thinking, and oral advocacy skills. The competition attracts many of the brightest young minds.”

STA administration, faculty, students, and parents commend the office of Attorneys Joyce Tang and Patrick Civille, for their expertise, guidance, and dedication.  The biggest honor, however, goes to the students whose intelligence, poise, and hard work make the STA Mock Trial team a true champion:

Chirag Bhojwani, Monica Civille, Regina Mandanas, Dara Namazi, Jacques Diambra-Odi, Ryan Raguindin, Francene Reyes, Lucas Shimizu, and Joel Tribaudini.

Congratulations to all High School Mock Trial teams for their exemplary talents and sportsmanship.

For more information, log on to the school’s website at www.staguam.com, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 473.7821/2/3.