CALLING ALL ALUMNAE/MOCK TRIAL TEAM MEMBERS

As the Regents' 2013 Mock Trial Team prepare for the state tournament next weekend, we are creating an important list.  All alumnae who were members of an LRHS Mock Trial Team and who are now attorneys (or preparing to be attorneys) are asked to contact Sr. Lisa Megaffin by email.  This is the information we are seeking:  name, graduation year, undergraduate degree and college, law school, current employer and title.  Thanks for your help and please cheer on your fellow Regents as they go to state as the defending champions! 

JOIN THE CHAMPIONS!

Alumnae, parents and friends of the Regents are cordially invited to sponsor the defending state Mock Trial Champions as they represent Ventura County at the California State competition, March 22 through 24, in Riverside.   The Regents' 2013 title marks the 18th county championship since 1990!  The team has also won state titles in 2008, 2011 and 2012, and Empire Mock Trial World Championships in 2011 and 2012.

Follow this link for complete sponsorship information, or follow this link to donate online, indicating Legacy & Promise Annual Fund, Other, Mock Trial. 

Thank you for believing in the Regents of La Reina High School!  For further information, contact Sr. Lisa Megaffin at 805-495-6494, ext. 382.

Regents Capture Ventura County Mock Trial Championship

After four nights of intense trials, the La Reina Regents were named champions of the 2013 Ventura County Mock Trial competition.  This marks the 18th county title for the Regents since 1990.

 

 

Shown in this photo are team members (front row) Olivia Aulicino '14, Camilah Hamideh '14, and Nisha Srinivasa '14; (back row) Elizabeth Hribal '13, Ryanne Bamieh '14, Callan Buechsenschuetz '16, Devin Montgomery '15, Edie Sussman '15, Ally Zlaket '15 and Lena Melillo '13.   Coaches include Liz Harlacher, faculty adviser, and attorney coaches Ron Bamieh, Roxanne Torabian-Bashardoust '96, Gretchen Buechsenschuetz, Jean Wentz and Daniello Desmeth.

Ryanne Bamieh '14 also earned a first place award as Pretrial Attorney for the Prosecution, while Lena Melillo '13 was voted Most Valuable Player for La Reina by other teams.

The Regents now advance--as defending champions--to the California State Competition in late March.

REGENTS WIN MOCK TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Late breaking--the La Reina Mock Trial Team captured the Empire World Mock Trial Championship title today in New York!   The Regents are the only school to win two consecutive world titles--in 2011 and 2012. 

Thirty-six teams from the United States and six other countries participated in the tournament.  In the preliminary rounds, the Regents won trials versus teams from Colorado, Pennsylvania, Georgia and South Carolina.  The final match pitted them against Dos Pueblos High School from Goleta, California.  The La Reina team knows Dos Pueblos well, most recently beating them for the California state title last March.

Team members include seniors Elizabeth Hribal, Lena Melillo, Genesis Sandoval, and Rachel Warner; juniors Olivia Aulicino, Ryanne Bamieh, Camillah Hamideh and Nisha Srinivasa; sophomores Devin Montgomery, Edie Sussman and Alley Zlaket; and freshman Callie Buechsenschuetz.  Coaches are Ron Bamieh, Gretchen Buechsenschuetz, Liz Harlarcher and Roxanne Torabian-Bashardoust, a 1995 La Reina alumna.

Since 1990, La Reina's Mock Trial team has won the Ventura County championship 17 times.  They also captured the California Mock Trial title in 2008, 2011 and 2012.   The students are grateful to the faculty, coaches, parents, volunteers and donors who make this program possible.

Follow this link for a feature article in the Ventura County Star.

REGENTS ADVANCE TO EMPIRE MOCK TRIAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL ROUND

After two days of intense competition, the La Reina High School Mock Trial Team will advance to the Empire Mock Trial World championship finals on Monday, October 29.  They will meet the team from Dos Pueblos High School from Santa Barbara, California, with the competition beginning at 9:30 a.m. eastern time at the Brooklyn Borough Hall. 

To reach the final round, the Regents defeated teams from Colorado, Pennsylvania, Georgia and South Carolina.

The entire La Reina community wishes the Regent team the very best as the defending world champions!

MOCK TRIAL TEAM PREPARES FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

La Reina's Mock Trial team is hard at work, preparing for the Empire City Invitational Tournament taking place in Brooklyn, New York on October 25 - 28th.  The Empire City event is a "world championship" with entrants from the United States, Australia, Canada, South Korea and the United Kingdom.   

Our team of 12 members includes:  Lena Melillo '13, Elizabeth Hribal '13, Rachel Warner '13, Genesis Sandoval '13, Nisha Srinivasa '14, Camilah Hamideh '14, Olivia Aulicino '14, Ryanne Bamieh '14, Allie Zlaket '15, Devin Montgomery '15, Callie Buechsenschuetz '16 and Edie Sussman '15.

Please click here for a recent article featuring the team in the Ventura County Star.

Congratulations girls and we wish you the best of luck!

REGENTS CAPTURE SECOND CONSECUTIVE STATE MOCK TRIAL TITLE

After three days of competition in Sacramento, the La Reina Mock Trial Team won its second consecutive California companionship on March 25.  In the preliminary rounds, the Regents competed against Templeton High (San Luis Obispo County), Stockdale High (Kern County), Enoc High (Stanislaus County) and Clovis North High (Fresno County).  Competitors in the final round were La Reina and Dos Pueblos High from Santa Barbara County.  Overall, the tournament included 32 schools from across the state.

Follow this link for coverage in The Star.

Congratulations to team members Olivia Aulicino, Ryanne Bamieh, Hannah Delsohn, Camilah Hamideh, Elizabeth Hribal, Reilly Jones, Lena Melillo, Devin Montgomery, Olivia Polk, Nisha Srinivasa, Rachel Warner, Hannah Young, and Ally Zlaket, and to coaches Ron Bamieh, Nyantara Bhushan '08, Liz Harlacher, and Jean and Rick Wentz.  The team also thanks Vickie Brown, county coordinator through the Ventura County Office of Education.

The team now prepares for the National Mock Trial Tournament, to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from May 3 through 6. 

In addition to the 2011 California state title, the Regents are the reigning 2011 Empire Mock Trial World Champions.  They also won the 2008 California state title and 17 county titles since 1990.

The tournament featured the murder trial of Ryan Buschell, a resident of Emerald City, who was charged with murder and with violating the California Concealed Carry  Statute.

SPONSORS INVITED FOR CHAMPIONSHIP MOCK TRIAL TEAM!

Alumnae, parents and friends of LRHS are cordially invited to be sponsors for the 2012 Ventura County Mock Trial champions!  These sponsorship donations are tax-deductible and will help to defray the cost of transportation and lodging for the students, coaches and chaperones during the state competition, March 23 through 25 in Sacramento.  Gifts in any amount will be appreciated--perhaps $1,700 or $170 to celebrate 17 county championships since 1990, or $500 to sponsor a student. 

To donate online, follow this link, choose Legacy & Promise Annual Fund, Other, and indicate Mock Trial.  Or follow this link for a sponsorship form.

Thank you and know that the Regents truly appreciate the generous encouragement and support of so many.  For further information, contact Sr. Lisa Megaffin by email or at 805-495-6494, ext. 382.

REGENTS CLAIM 17TH VENTURA COUNTY MOCK TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Congratulations to the Regent Mock Trial Team!  They captured the 2012 Ventura County Mock Trial Championship today.  This achievement marks the 17th county title for La Reina since 1990; in October, the team also won the 2011 Empire Tournament World Championship. 

Individual awards were earned by Devin Montgomery '15, third place, Clerk; and Valentina Oliver '12, second place, Courtroom Journalist.

The Regents now advance to the California State Mock Trial Competition, as defending 2011 champions, to be held on March 25 and 26 in Sacramento.

Team members include Olivia Aulicino '14, Ryanne Bamieh '14, Hannah Delsohn '13, Kate Draper, '14, Leila Flanagan '15, Camilah Hamideh '14, Lauren Hearne '12, Elizabeth Hribal '13, Reilly Jones '15, Lena Melillo '13, Devin Montgomery '15, Valentina Oliver '12, Olivia Polk '12, Genesis Sandoval '13, Nisha Srinivasa '14, Edie Sussman '15, Rachel Warner '13, Hannah Young '12 and Ally Zlaket '15.  Special thanks to attorney coaches Ron Bamieh, Jean Wentz, Rick Wentz and Kendall Jones; to faculty adviser, Liz Harlacher, and to assistant faculty adviser, Nayantara Bhushan '08.

Read this story as featured in the March 3 Ventura County Star!

REGENTS TO COMPETE IN MOCK TRIAL FINALS!

Congratulations to our Mock Trial Team; they will be competing in the finals tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the Ventura County Courthouse.

Schools who will be competing include:  Agoura, La Reina, Newbury Park, Santa Susana, St. Bonaventure and Trinity Pacific.

Go Regents!

LA REINA MOCK TRIAL TEAM CROWNED WORLD CHAMPIONS!

The La Reina High School Mock Trial Team captured the 2011 World Championship at the Empire City Mock Trial Invitational Tournament on Oct. 23.   They won trials versus teams from Georgia, Ireland, and Oregon, as well as Bishop O'Dowd High School from California.  The final match, scored by a panel of 13 judges, found La Reina's plaintiff team competing against the defense team from Pennsylvania's Wyoming Seminary.

The competition included 16 state champions, including La Reina, the 2011 California State Champions, 6 international champions and 34 at-large teams. 

Team members include seniors Olivia Polk and Hannah Young; juniors Hannah Delsohn, Elizabeth Hribal, Lena Melillo and Rachel Warner; sophomores Olivia Aulicino, Ryanne Bamieh, Camila Hamideh and Nisha Srinivasa; and freshmen Leila Flanagan and Reilly Jones.

Mrs. Liz Harlacher, faculty adviser, commented that  "All of our team members showed incredible resilience and skill during the five grueling trials.  We are particularly proud of the students who just joined La Reina's Mock Trial program this year.  Every participant from every school is to be commended for their spirit and hard work in mastering legal skills.  These youth represent our future leaders and we can be very proud of them!"    

La Reina captured the Ventura County Mock Trial Championship 16 times since 1990, as well as the California State Championship in 2008 and 2011.

REGENTS PREPARE FOR EMPIRE CITY MOCK TRIAL INVITATIONAL

As the 2011 California State Mock Trial champions, La Reina's  Mock Trial Team will participate in the Empire City Mock Trial Invitational from Oct. 20 through 23. The competition, to be held in Brooklyn, will include 16 state champions (including La Reina), 6 international champions, and 34 at large teams. In the case, Blitz News Network is accused of defamation for reporting an incident as a murder before a jury actually could make that decision. 

In this photo, defense attorney Lena Melillo '13 rehearses her closing argument on behalf of Blitz News Network.  

La Reina has earned 16 Ventura County championships since 1990, and the California championship in 2008 and 2011. 

The La Reina community wishes the team the best of luck in this new venture.

MOCK TRIAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP DVD AVAILABLE

Any La Reina student can check out the DVD of the 2011 California State Championship Mock Trial competition, featuring the first place Regents!  The DVD, entitled People v. Woodson, is available in the school library.   This film is a great introduction for junior high students who may be interested in joining the Mock Trial Team when they reach high school.  Parents or alumnae who wish to borrow this DVD should contact Sr. Lisa Megaffin at lmegaffin@lareina.com.

CALL FOR ALUMNAE TESTIMONIALS

Attention, Regent alumnae!  If you were a member of the LRHS Speech, Debate or Mock Trial Teams, this message is for you.  The Advancement Department is collecting testimonials on how these forensic activities impacted the lives of alumnae.  How did the skills you learned help you in college or in your career?   How have you been able to "give a voice to women"?  Please send your testimonial to Sr. Lisa Megaffin at lmegaffin@lareina.com by August 1.  Thank you for your assistance with this important project...go, Regent Speechies!

MOCK TRIAL COACH PREPARES STUDENTS FOR REAL LIFE

Liz Harlacher, La Reina's mock trial coach, has led the Regents to county, state and national titles.  Read more about Liz and the Regent mock trial team in this article, recently featured in The Acorn newspaper: "Mock Trial Coach Prepares Students For Real Live."

To view other articles by and about the Regents follow this link to the Student Life section of the website.

'CITY ON A HILL' STILL SHINES BRIGHT, BY LAUREL RODEWALD '11

Laurel Rodewald '11, a member of the Ronald Reagan National Youth Leadership Committee, has a hopeful vision of America's future.  Click here to read her piece, published in the Ventura County Star.

REGENTS CAPTURE CALIFORNIA STATE MOCK TRIAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

In a stiff competition with schools representing 29 counties, La Reina High School won the California State Mock Trial Championship today.  The Regents won preliminary cases versus Westlake High School (wild card team from Ventura County), Southwest High School (Imperial County), Prospect High School (Santa Clara County) and Talmapis High School (Marin County).  The finals found the La Reina defense team competing against Elk Grove High School from Sacramento County.

Thea Percival '11 also won top awards for her portrayal of defense witness Chris Draper.

The team now begins preparations for the national Mock Trial Tournament, to be held from May 5 through 7 in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Regents also captured the California title in 2008 and 16 Ventura County titles since 1990.

AN INVITATION TO INVEST IN THE VENTURA COUNTY MOCK TRIAL CHAMPIONS

La  Reina  High  School is proud of the Regents’ Mock Trial Team for winning the 2011 Ventura County Championship.  This feat marks the sixteenth championship for La Reina since 1990! 

Friends of La Reina are cordially invited to sponsor the team’s participation in the California State Mock Trial competition, March 25 through 27 in Riverside.  Sponsorships will help to defray the cost of transportation and lodging for the students, coaches and chaperones; these donations will also indicate to the students that you are proud of their achievements.   A contribution of $475 will underwrite all expenses for one person.  Gifts in any other amount will also be appreciated.  

To donate online, follow this link.  Choose Legacy & Promise Annual Fund, Other, and indicate Mock Trial.  Donations by check may also be sent to the LRHS Advancement Office, 106 W. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks, CA  91360.

Thank you for believing in the Regents of La Reina High School!  Your generous support will make a difference in their lives and in everyone they will influence in the future.

REGENTS ARE VENTURA COUNTY MOCK TRIAL CHAMPIONS!

Congratulations to the Regent Mock Trial Team--Ventura County champions for the 16th time since 1990!   Individual awards were earned by Olivia Polk '12 (Prosecution Pretrial Award, first place); Hannah Young '12 (Prosecution Attorney Award, second place); and Katie Gerbasi '13 (Prosecution Witness Award, portraying Angel Sterling, third place).  The Regents now advance to the California State Mock Trial competition which will be held in Riverside on March 25 through 27.  Special thanks to the attorney coaches, Ron Bamieh, Kendall Jones, Jean Wentz and Rick Wentz and to the team's faculty adviser, Liz Harlacher.

MOCK TRIAL TEAM ADVANCES TO COUNTY FINALS

Congratulations to the Regent Mock Trial Team!  The team is advancing to the Ventura County finals scheduled for Thursday, March 3 at 5:00 p.m. at the Ventura County Courthouse.   Other high schools competing in the finals include Newbury Park (Gold), Newbury Park (Panthers), Simi Valley, Trinity Pacific (Silver) and Westlake.   Go Regents!