Dallas YMCA Students Shine at National Judicial Competition

More than 500 students from across the country gathered in Austin, Texas, July 27–30 for the YMCA National Judicial Competition (NJC), putting their knowledge, preparation and advocacy skills to the test on a national stage.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas was proudly represented by students competing in both Mock Trial and Appellate Court. Of the five Texas teams participating in Mock Trial, two represented the Dallas YMCA, while three of Texas’ five Appellate Court teams came from the Dallas delegation.

Strong Performances in Mock Trial

Dallas YMCA students delivered impressive results in the Mock Trial competition, with both teams finishing among the top six out of 19 teams nationwide.

Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet placed fifth overall, while Allen High School finished close behind in sixth place.

Throughout the competition, students had the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have developed through YMCA Youth & Government, including critical thinking, public speaking, teamwork and the ability to build and present compelling legal arguments.

Dallas Teams Excel in Appellate Court

Dallas YMCA students also earned strong results in the Appellate Court competition, which included 63 teams.

A team from Creekview High School earned an impressive second-place finish, while another Creekview team placed 11th. A team representing Highland Park High School and the Austin area finished 21st.

The Highland Park team’s journey was especially unique. After qualifying to participate in Appeals, one student learned that her original partner would be unable to attend the national competition. Rather than miss the opportunity, the lead attorney partnered with a student from the Austin area to form a new team.

Despite having to adapt to a new partnership, the two students competed together and earned 21st place out of 63 teams.

Their experience reflected many of the qualities Youth & Government seeks to develop in young people: adaptability, collaboration, confidence and a willingness to rise to a challenge.

Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders

The YMCA National Judicial Competition is an annual competition for high school students participating in the model judicial components of YMCA Youth & Government. Through Appellate Court and Mock Trial, students gain hands-on experience with the judicial process while strengthening skills they can carry into college, careers and their communities.

For Dallas YMCA students, this year’s competition was an opportunity to represent their schools, their communities and Texas alongside hundreds of young people from across the country.

Congratulations to the students from Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet, Allen High School, Creekview High School, Highland Park High School and the entire Dallas YMCA Youth & Government delegation on an outstanding showing at the YMCA National Judicial Competition!