Your Character Matters: These two Visalia mock trial attorneys are the real MVPs
Mar 18, 2025
VISALIA, Calif. (KSEE) - In the South Valley, high school students in mock trials present a strong case for being students with great character, and usually, the side with the best case wins.
But two young mock trial attorneys make convincing arguments for each side of the courtroom and it’s w
hy we’re recognizing them in this week’s Your Character Matters.
In the law, every case rests on strong evidence and a solid argument—and Morgan Cane brings both to the courtroom and the classroom.
She’s been part of Redwood High’s mock trial team for all four years of high school and earned MVP honors in the latest round of courtroom competition.
“Morgan is amazing. She was amazing Tuesday night… The judge can throw her questions, and she will, off the top of her head, just answer the question and get it right,” said Tina Moran, mock trial teacher coach.
Like any good attorney, Morgan knows preparation is key.
“We have two-hour practices twice a week, and as county finals get closer to county, we tend to have practices on the weekends,“ said Morgan. " Then I'll kind of like go over, talk about like the case with like my friends or like my family, so I like remember it, um, because it's a huge part of my role on the team, um, is memorization.”
Morgan’s work ethic paid off in court with a win for Redwood High at the county competition. Even the opposing council recognized Morgan's dedication to her team because the MVP awards were given by the other team.
A tradition that sets students in mock trials apart.
"Just the ability to, uh, not just play nice, but to be collaborative and recognize strengths, uh, even when you're in competition and to work together and recognize the good that both teams are bringing to the table," said teacher Keith Giles.
On the other team, Aubrey Woods, a junior on the Golden West High mock trial team, also earned MVP recognition.
“I mean, I was really excited about it. And I also get really excited when, excited when the people on my team get it because it's like just really cool, I think. And especially because we get given it by the other team. So they're not like attorneys themselves,” said Aubrey.
So together, the defense from Redwood High and the prosecution from Golden West make a strong argument for success that’s built on hard work, teamwork, and a winning character.
"Like, you get to know your teammates and you're spending so much time with them that you become friends with everyone, so it's just like a community that you get if you don't usually get that in school. I think everyone should join Mock Trial, even if they're not interested in law," said Aubrey. ...read more read less
