 Well, the Bemidji High School mock trial team has competed in the state tournament three times already, but for the first time the team finished in the top 10 this year. For this week's Golden Apple, Haiti Clowder tells us how the team has what it takes when it comes to law and order. Outside of the social studies wing at Bemidji High School, the mock trial team is cross-examining witnesses and presenting their case. They're going over the case annually, won them the top prize at the 2017 Minnesota State Mock Trial Competition. Objection, relevance. The case was about free speech in high school and open campus lunch, but Bemidji High School lost to Lakeville South by just two points. Interesting to see how they develop over the course of each meet and how much better they get, how much more poised and confident they get. Students practice twice a week for three hours a day and gain public speaking skills. Memorization is key when going over the material for the cases, but it comes easier as you go along. According to Alex Hansen, whose closing arguments won him the All-State Attorney Award. We have good attorneys that we have on this team and I was kind of shocked that they chose me as the All-State Attorney, but it's definitely an honor and one that I'll be looking to keep in the upcoming season. Abby Lauterbaugh has been on the team for three years and has always had the role of a witness. My name is Ricky Silver and I'm a 72-year-old music teacher at John Madison High School. Her goal was always making it to the state competition. When we found out we like made it to state, it was just like such a good feeling because like it's like we worked so hard for this and we finally got it paid off and stuff. Like for me I've been working three years to get to that point and it was just so fun to get that reward. As his senior year comes to an end, so will Nicholas Harrom's time on the mock trial team. Harrom is interested in a career as an attorney one day. He got plenty of practice as a member of the defense. Towards the end, especially at the state tournament, I found myself trying to add more drama to my speech. As all the season is over, the team looks forward to next year's criminal case. And with that, this case is now closed. For this week's Golden Apple, Haiti Clotter, Lakeland News. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.