For the last four years, I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Felix Varela Law program, first taught by Mr. Nguyen and now taught by Dr. Vichot. I never knew that in the last four years, since the Law One class I walked into back in my freshmen year, this class would lead me down the path that it has.

Now in my senior year, the experience comes to an end. During my freshman year, I was introduced to the Mock trial team. Till this day the team remains virtually unknown by the school.

The team consists of students interested in learning what it takes to become a real lawyer, someone who can differentiate between what is shown on T.V. and what actually takes place in a courtroom.

Over the course of five months, schools’ Mock Trial teams prepare their line of questioning and witnesses, and then during a two-day competition they showcase their court procedure skills in front of real judges and lawyers.

During my 10th grade year I was given the chance to be a lawyer for the Felix Varela Mock Trial team. Since then I have been a lawyer for the School’s team and helped other students learn what it takes to be a real lawyer.

The team has always been about having fun and this year was no different. Varela won three of the four cases it participated in this year. Over the last three years, I have always been proud to participate on the team for it has shown me what it takes to be a better leader and person.

Through the efforts of Mr. Nguyen and Dr. Vichot the team has been able to make a name for itself among other schools. Without the mock trial team, I would not be the person who I am today. Everyone who has worked and performed on the team has done so with such a degree of commitment that even real judges and lawyers have watched in awe and commented on how impressed they are with our performance.

The mock trial team has never ceased to impress me. Although we have never had the honor of winning the competition, I wish the best to all the future members of the mock trial team in hopes that they can come out on top.

I would like to thank everyone at Felix Varela who has supported the team throughout the years.

I would like to thank my law teachers, Dr. Vichot and Mr. Nguyen, and more importantly, the mock trial team, for always believing in me.

And one last word of encouragement for next year’s team: "Never stop objecting to something you believe is wrong, because when it all comes down to it, it ain’t that serious." Thank you.

- Submitted by Luis Herrera (12)