Waitsburg 8th and 9th grade students tackle the law

Students in Waitsburg's eighth and ninth grades read books with themes of right and wrong. The eighth graders read "The Outsiders," which follows a 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis who struggles with right and wrong over two weeks. The class wrote essays on S.E. Hinton's coming-of-age novel.

The ninth-grade class read the novel "Of Mice and Men" in preparation for mock trials. This tragic story from the Great Depression era by John Steinbeck is about two migrant ranch workers, George and Lennie. Events lead George to kill his friend, a childlike but giant of a man, Lennie.

English teacher Shannon Schreindl invited Columbia County Sheriff Joe Helm to give a presentation on the investigative process to the students in preparation for their class assignments. Schreindl's goal was to introduce her students to the investigative process, evidence collection, and crime-scene approach. The information coming from Helm made it authentic for the students. 

On Thursday, December 18, Schreindl's ninth graders took part in two mock trials where George was accused of murdering Lennie.  The defense and prosecuting attorneys examined and cross-examined witnesses. George took the stand, and the jury deliberated to deliver a verdict. 

Schreindl served as the judge, and student Joy Nechodom served as the bailiff for both trials.

The jury of the ninth-grade parents included Sarah Nodine, Gwendolyn Dentiger, Sarah Boudrieau, Mandy Kiefel, Savana Ray, Jessica Kiefel, Dakota Christ, Jessica Harvey, and Malissa and Forrest Mewes.

In the first trial, the defense attorney (Rowdy Cole) defended George (Uriah York). Witnesses Candy (Alex Zuniga), Slim (Jake Lynch), and Crooks (Reagan Dodd) took the stand for the defense. The prosecutor (Joslin Nodine) called witnesses Curly (Sophia Castillo), Carlson (Katy Allen), Boss (Stella Pearson), and the "girl from weed" (Shaunna Hilton). At the end of this trial, the jury found George not guilty.

In the second trial, the defense attorney (Carter Barron) defended George (Colt Boudrieau) and called witnesses Slim (Carsyn Pennington) and Candy (Gage Mynear).  The prosecuting attorney (Olivia Kiefel) called Boss (Cody Coulston), Whit (Kellen Coulston), Curly (Liam Kiefel), Crooks (Sasha Mercado), and Carlson (Roz Harvey) to the stand.  This time, the jury returned a guilty verdict.

Schreindl used the mock trials to help students master critical thinking, evidence-based argument, collaboration, and presentation skills.