Story By Hector Hernandez Jr. | Highland Community News
The Redlands Unified School District held a special reception on Tuesday, April 14, inviting parents, district educators and regional dignitaries to recognize the Redlands High School mock trial team and celebrate their state championship.
The team of 14, under head coach Donna St. George, will now prepare to compete in the Nationals at Raleigh, N.C. on May 15-16.
“Upon this achievement a lot of significant people throughout our area, county and state wanted to recognized these students so we were encouraged to honor them tonight,” said RUSD Board of Education President Neal Waner. “What you’ve done is so significant that we all take pride in you.”
There to present certificates of appreciation to the students were Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, County Board of Education Member Alen Richie, Deputy District Attorney Jill Gregory and Assistant Public Defender Christopher Gardner. Field representatives from Assemblyman Chad Mayes and Senator Mike Morrell were also present.
The students also received certificates from the cities of Redlands, Loma Linda and Highland, as well as the County Board of Supervisors.
“I saw these students in action and they were nothing short of awe-inspiring,” Gregory said while presenting the team $500 from the office of District Attorney Mike Ramos, for preparation and travel expenses. “I witnessed a commitment to excellence I don’t often see in high school students.”
Waner thanked St. George and the team’s coaches – including Stephen Levine, Jack Juan and Derek Raynes – for their commitment to the team and its success. St. George was hired at Redlands High School 25 years ago to start the mock trial program.
“Eighteen years ago we won the nationals competition and for those 18 years since I’ve dreamed of repeating that accomplishment,” said St. George, “and I can’t tell you what an honor it is to have three of my past students here as coaches, on my team, as we go to nationals again.”
“We’re very excited to be going to nationals,” said Summer Zofrea, team captain. “Knowing that everyone’s backing us means everything to us. That’s what helped us win at state and that’s what will help us win at nationals.”
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