Saint Peter High School’s Mock Trial program has had a successful run over the past decade and this year’s senior captains, Melina Chadwick and Khaled Ibrahim, are eager for the upcoming season and are hoping to find new members to join the program. Both laud their involvement in the program and feel it will benefit well beyond their high school years.
“I have been a part of our mock trial program since my eighth grade year, and I have enjoyed it so much,” Chadwick said. “Being a part of the mock trial program is a great way to learn to advocate for yourself, and also expand upon ways for you to articulate how you think.”
“I love how it has improved my public speaking skills over the years which are very important as you get older,” Ibrahim said. “It also is a great way to develop critical thinking skills and improve your ability to think on your feet.”
Long-time SPHS advisor/coach Dan Clark stepped down after the 2026 season, and this year he will be replaced by local attorney Andrea Faches, who is also Chadwick’s mother.
This year’s captains hope to start practicing regularly in early October. Practices are held at 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The Monday practices are at SPHS, while the Tuesday and Thursday practices are at the Nicollet County Courthouse. Competitions are scheduled to begin on January 11, 2027.
“We had about 10 team members at the informational meeting this year, but are always looking for new members,” Chadwick said. “We had about 17 students express an interest in joining the team during the recent SPHS Activities Fair, and we're always looking for more!”
Anyone interested in joining the team should contact Chadwick (mchadwick@stpeterschool.org) or Ibrahim at (kibrahim@stpeterschools.org). More information can also be found on the program’s Instagram page (@stpmocktrial) or on the accompanying SPHS Mock Trial flyer below↓.
According to the Minnesota High School Mock Trial information webpage, “The Minnesota High School Mock Trial Program is an exciting law-related education program that introduces students to the American legal system and provides a challenging opportunity for personal growth and achievement. Your students will exercise their critical thinking and teamwork skills, as well as the basic skills learned in the classroom.”
More info about the Minnesota Mock Trial program can be found on the state website by clicking HERE. 
