Mock Trial, Academic Decathlon get new sponsors

The Ventura County Office of Education has announced a partnership with County Schools Federal Credit Union for sponsorship of the Ventura County Mock Trial and Academic Decathlon competitions.

The credit union has donated $35,000 for two competitions.

The Mock Trial is designed to give students firsthand experience with legal institutions. Students in grades nine to 12 portray each of the principals in the cast of courtroom characters. They study a hypothetical case, do legal research, receive guidance from volunteer attorneys in courtroom procedure and trial preparation, and present their case before volunteer judges.

The mission of the United States Academic Decathlon is to promote and recognize learning and achievement by emphasizing the value of academic excellence for all students. Students from all academic backgrounds are included. A team consists of nine full-time students from the ninth through 12th grades of the same high school. Each team is made up of three "A" students, three "B" students and three "C" students.

"Our decision to support events such as the 2007 Academic Decathlon and Mock Trial is meant to serve as a statement and a reminder to everyone who has a stake in Ventura County education that nothing in our daily lives is more important than finding better ways to provide unique and better education opportunities for the students of Ventura County," said Bob Emerich, CEO of the credit union.