RBHS team places first in District Constitution Project, advances to state

Colonel+Renata+Williams+handcuffs+Betty+Quick%2C+a+suspect+in+this+investigation%2C+and+takes+her+into+custody+for+further+questioning+and+investigation.

Colonel Renata Williams handcuffs Betty Quick, a suspect in this investigation, and takes her into custody for further questioning and investigation.

Ashleigh Atasoy
November 14, 2013

Junior Renata Williams, who plays a crime scene investigator, stands with senior Wynter Bresaw, who is in the role Betty Quick, a suspect in the investigation of this accident. Photo by Brittany Corneilson
Junior Renata Williams, who plays a crime scene investigator, stands with senior Wynter Bresaw, who is in the role Betty Quick, a suspect in the investigation of this accident. Photo by Brittany Corneilson
For the first time in its history, RBHS placed first in the district Constitution Project against Helias High School. Competing in the first annual statewide competition, the team reported on a crime scene simulation in the RBHS north parking lot last Wednesday, Nov. 6.
Later holding a press conference, the team then sent students to participate in a mock trial case against Helias this Tuesday, Nov. 12.  at the Cole County Courthouse in Jefferson City. Building a case off of the facts provided at the crime scene, the team performed in front of a real judge and jury.
Junior Brett Stover played the part of prosecuting attorney for RBHS and will continue on in the role in the state competition. Though it was a steep learning curve for the team, Stover believes the team will excel at state.

“It was a little rocky at first, especially how I did, but we improved as it went on,” Stover said. “I know that I’m going to work a lot harder to do better at state.”

Along with reenacting the roles of attorneys, investigators and witnesses, the RBHS team was judged on their media coverage of the incident. Writing stories, taping video footage and uploading live broadcasting to BearingNews, senior Brittany Cornelison sees the competition as a great opportunity for students.

“We don’t normally get the chance to cover criminal news at the high school level so this has been a new and exciting experience for all of our writers,” Cornelison said. “It’s awesome that [the] Rock Bridge journalism department is getting the chance to go to the State competition”

Sally Rider, 17, is questioned by Brett Stover, prosecuting attorney. Photo by Brittany Cornelison.
Junior Madi Mertz plays the role of the passenger while junior Brett Stover questions her as a prosecuting attorney.
Photo by Brittany Cornelison

Despite the success at districts, Cornelison said the preparation for the competition was short notice, and many kinks were ironed out before the trip to Jefferson City. Advancing into the State competition, Cornelison hopes the details will be better planned, but is looking forward towards the experience in crime scene reporting.

“Now we get to put our skills up against other high school journalists from all over Missouri,” Cornelison said. “I think knowing that we are a part of things ahead of time will allow us to get our act together and stand a good chance at State.”

The State competition will occur Tuesday, Nov. 19, in Jefferson City.

By Ashleigh Atasoy

Have you heard of the Constitution Project? Do you think it’s a good idea?