Two Parrish sophomores are starting a law club. First up: a mock trial.

An opening argument for trying something new

Parrish Community High’s newest club will begin with a mock trial, an introduction to its plans and donuts. That is a fairly persuasive opening argument.

Sophomores Valentina Oviedo-Fajardo and Kenzy Elserif founded Future Lawyers of America to give students a place to explore legal careers. Its first meeting is Monday, September 21, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in room 6-203, according to Kavya Carman’s September 18 report for the PCHS Bulletin.

Oviedo-Fajardo is president and Elserif is co-president. Their ambitions extend beyond students already picturing themselves in a courtroom: public speaking, confidence and communication are part of the club’s purpose.

The founders’ plans include mock trials, debates, case research and guest speakers. Courthouse visits are an aspiration, not an announced field-trip schedule.

I like the invitation here for students who are interested but undecided. Trying to assemble an argument and explain it to other people is a useful way to discover whether the subject actually grabs you. You do not have to settle your entire career before trying an after-school club.

Monday’s meeting is the starting point for interested PCHS students. Carman’s full interview with the founders is linked below.[1]