Southland College Prep Mock Trial Heads to State on First Place Roll

RICHTON PARK, ILL. —Southland College Prep Charter High School continued its climb to state earlier this month in Mock Trial competition with a first-place team finish in the 16-team Kane County Courthouse tournament, led by experienced seniors Simone Junious and Shawn Strong.

The team will compete in the state Mock Trial competition this weekend in Springfield, Illinois.

Southland began the season with a first-place title at Bloom Trail and have placed or received an Outstanding Attorney or Witness award at every event since.

At the last regular season event on March 5 in Kane County, three team leaders excelled with back-to-back tournament awards:

· Four-year senior member Shawn Strong: Outstanding Attorney, Outstanding Witness

· Four-year senior member Simone Junious: Outstanding Attorney

· Two-year sophomore Kehinde Sowemimo: Outstanding Witness

"I am ecstatic with our team's growth and hard work this year,” said Sherry Grutzius, Southland’s Mock Trial coach. “Their grit and perseverance are paying off.”

A former lawyer, Grutzius serves as the senior English Global Literature teacher as well as Southland’s trial advocacy instructor. She was recently honored as an Illinois Network of Charter Schools “Teacher of the Year” finalist.

“To have such a talented teacher with a legal background guiding our students is a treasured gift,” said Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, CEO of Southland College Prep Charter High School. “Our students’ critical thinking and oratory skills will serve them in any profession they choose. With a coach like Sherry Grutzius, who is so committed to raising the level of performance week to week, it is not a surprise that the team is heading into state on a high wave.”

Grutzius said that in addition to “fierce” courtroom performances, the Southland Mock Trial Team has demonstrated professionalism and a supportive spirit with students from other schools.

“That’s the hallmark of a Southland student,” Grutzius said, “I couldn’t be more proud.”

The Southland College Prep State/Competitive Team includes:

Dyllann Roberts (sophomore)

Fernanda Lopez (senior – 4-year member)

Simone Junious (senior – 4-year member)

Kehinde Sowemimo (sophomore)

Loren Rounds (freshman)

JaNessa Ravazee (sophomore)

Shawn Strong (senior – 4-year member)

Jalon McDonald (junior)

Yehoshua McClerklin (senior)

Jaylon Edwards (freshman)

Other Members: LaMyra Love (freshman), Julia Franklin (sophomore), Rhiyanna Alston (freshman), James Eddings (sophomore)