In the month of November, 81 high schools in Los Angeles County, including Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, participated in the 35th annual Los Angeles County Mock Trial Competition. The Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) introduced the Mock Trial program to help students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society.
In this competition, there is no division among private, public, small or large schools; every school competes on an equal footing. The CRF creates and produces a new set of Mock Trial materials based on an important issue facing America’s youth. This year, students tried a case involving texting while driving resulting in a hit-and-run accident.
Like years before, Pilibos students participated in the competition, forming two groups – Prosecution and Defense. Each group of students participated in the mock trial, representing various members of the court, such as attorneys, bailiff, witnesses, defendant, etc. We are pleased to announce that Lily Dermendjian, a 9th grade student, won the award for Outstanding Prosecution Witness while playing the role of Toni DeLuca. She was selected from 80 other students who played this role in the competition. Lily received her award at the awards ceremony on December 5th, presented by Ms. Jackie Lacey, the newly elected Los Angeles County District Attorney.
Several other Pilibos students were nominated for awards; they will all receive honorable mention certificates. Those students are Khajag Bornazyan, Angel Darbinian, Ani Nalbandian, Shahan Atmajian, Aram Manoukian, Angelica Gevoglanian, Kevin Koseyan, and Michael Bezoian.
“These competitions are a critical component of our curriculum. We continually encourage our students to strive for excellence in and out of school. By providing these kinds of opportunities, we enable our students to broaden their horizons and explore various interests and possibilities for their future. I am thrilled to have so many of our students nominated for awards, and of course I am so proud of Lily and her accomplishment. Winning an outstanding witness award in her first year of participation is an amazing achievement,” said Dr. Alina Dorian, Principal.
Rose and Alex Pilibos is working with Pathways and Options
Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School now offers opportunities that may be able to assist you with Free or Reduced-Cost child care and education. Regardless of income, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to high quality child care and education. Through our partnership with Pathways and Options, we are able to provide financial assistance for families in need. Parents that are in school, working, looking for work, learning a trade, or participating in GAIN/CalWORKs can qualify for assistance. Call us at 323.668.2661 or email us at contact@pilibos.org for more information.
