Río Hondo College Mock Trial Team Competes at Regional Tournament, Earns Award and Forms New Mock Trial Club
Posted on February 12, 2025 by Río Hondo College | Category: Homepage News,Press Releases
(Whittier, CA) — The Río Hondo College (RHC) Mock Trial Team recently competed in the American Mock Trial Association’s (AMTA) Regional Tournament, held at Claremont McKenna College on February 1-2, 2025. Competing against 26 teams from four-year universities and elite pre-law programs, RHC students showcased outstanding preparation, professionalism and advocacy skills.
AMTA annually hosts a series of competitions from February through April to foster the development of undergraduate students in the areas of leadership, public speaking, rhetoric and persuasion through a legal forum.
In recognition of their outstanding sportsmanship and teamwork, the RHC team was honored with the prestigious Spirit of AMTA (SPAMTA) Award, bestowed by competing schools to recognize their commitment to fair play, civility and respect in the courtroom.
“Our students worked throughout winter break showing dedication, resilience and integrity,” said RHC Pathway to Law School Faculty Champion and Mock Trial Coach Connie Isais, Esq. “Seeing our students’ integrity, professionalism and character acknowledged by their peers was truly a proud moment. They don’t just compete—they lead with respect, ethics and a deep commitment to justice”
Grant Tovmasian and Hannah Braidman, Esq., were co-coaches who helped prepare RHC students for the mock trial. Students included Captain Emely Bobadilla, Co-Captain Amber Rodriguez, Co-Captain Michael De Cid, Daya Flores, Sarah Cosio-Tanahara, Alberto Pinedo Nunez and Amanda Guevara.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for earning this distinction, as it reflects not only their hard work and integrity but also the values of Río Hondo College, said Superintendent/President Dr. Marilyn Flores. “Their recognition for sportsmanship highlights the character, respect and dedication that our college fosters making a strong impression on the broader academic and legal community.”
Although the season has ended, the students’ dedication to improvement remains strong. Inspired by their experience, team members are taking the initiative to establish a Mock Trial Club at Río Hondo College. This student-led organization will allow aspiring advocates to continue developing their skills, analyze legal cases, and prepare for the next competition season.
The new Mock Trial Club will welcome students interested in law, public speaking and critical thinking. It will offer workshops, practice sessions and networking opportunities with legal professionals. By creating a year-round support system, the club aims to strengthen the team’s future competitive standing while providing valuable pre-law experience to its members.
The team’s participation in this competition would not have been possible without the generous support of the college community and the Río Hondo College Foundation, which sponsored appropriate mock trial clothing for the students. The support allows our students to compete and strengthens the College’s efforts to expand opportunities for aspiring legal professionals at RHC.
“This recognition demonstrates the endless possibilities when we champion Student Success,” said Río Hondo Community College Board of Trustees President Oscar Valladares. “Congratulations to our students and faculty!”
Students interested in joining the Río Hondo College Mock Trial Club can contact Club President Emely Bobadilla at (323) 926-9718, or email Faculty Member Connie Isais at [email protected].
PHOTO CAPTIONS
RHC_MOCKTRIAL1: Río Hondo College’s students competed in the American Mock Trial Association’s (AMTA) Regional Tournament, held at Claremont McKenna College.
RHC_MOCKTRIAL2: Río Hondo College’s students competed in the American Mock Trial Association’s (AMTA) Regional Tournament, held at Claremont McKenna College and received the prestigious Spirit of AMTA (SPAMTA) Award.