Brookfield Central High School’s Mock Trial team captured the Wisconsin State Bar Mock Trial State Championship on March 8, finishing the season with an impressive 15–3 record.

The Wisconsin State Bar-run tournament took place March 6–8 in Madison at the Dane County Courthouse, with the championship round held at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Sunday.

Brookfield Central went 4–0 at the state tournament, winning all four preliminary trials by unanimous 3–0 decisions:

• Round 1: Defeated Franklin, 3–0
• Round 2: Defeated Kewaskum, 3–0
• Round 3: Defeated Waukesha South, 3–0
• Round 4: Defeated University School, 3–0

The team then defeated defending state champion Madison West in the championship round to secure Brookfield Central’s second state title after the program’s 2022 championship.

“Our performance in the championship trial was something that I have never seen before. Every single person on our team had the best trial of their careers,” said Coach Jon Vogt.

The team is coached by teacher coaches Jon Vogt and Kate Kotajarvi, along with attorney coaches Morgan Risseeuw and Adam Schleis. Students reflected on the hard work and camaraderie that led to the championship season.

“I am beyond proud of all the work this team has put in this season,” said Lucia Brewer. “Every hour of practice, early morning bus ride, and late night ice cream run truly paid off!”

For many team members, Mock Trial has also been a formative experience beyond competition.

“Mock trial has been a part of my life for so long and it really has shaped how I go about different aspects of my life,” said Rageshri Barad. “Attending the state competition was already a huge honor, and getting to meet other students from across the state who share my passion for the program was an amazing experience. There were tears and laughter and every emotion in between but most of all there was a sense of belonging.”

Barad added that the experience has influenced her future goals. “Mock trial has helped me find my passion for law and has changed the trajectory of not only my career but my life as a whole. I have made cherished friendships that will stay with me and memories that I will always talk about.”

The team will next represent Brookfield Central at the National Mock Trial Championships this May.

Congratulations to the Brookfield Central Mock Trial team on an outstanding season and a well-earned state title.

Pictured (Left to right): Lucia Brewer, Julia Christian, Josie Seiler, Rageshri Barad, Tess Pierce, Club captain Wyatt Brom