Colton High “Fact of the Day” – Aug. 16

The+CHS+Mock+Trial+team+made+school+history+in+1985.+Featured+are+Christine+Hatch%2C+Paula+Wilson%2C+Ernest+Cisneros%2C+Nori+Sagomonian%2C+Maria+Douglas%2C+Toki+Hughes%2C+Catherine+Hudgins%2C+Kelly+Hardison%2C+Elizabeth+Rodriguez%2C+Arthur+Hernandez%2C+and+Edward+Estrada.

The CHS Mock Trial team made school history in 1985. Featured are Christine Hatch, Paula Wilson, Ernest Cisneros, Nori Sagomonian, Maria Douglas, Toki Hughes, Catherine Hudgins, Kelly Hardison, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Arthur Hernandez, and Edward Estrada.

Colton High School opened in 1895. It is one of the oldest high schools in the Inland Empire. In this daily feature, we celebrate Colton High’s rich history.

Colton High’s Mock Trial Team made CHS history in 1985, being the first team to compete in the San Bernardino County Mock Trial Competition. Students assumed the roles of attorneys, witnesses, clerks, and bailiffs to simulate an actual courtroom situation.

The team competed in three rounds, representing Colton High School well. According to adviser James Hayes, they “did a very fine job in each one.”

Colton alums who made up this history-making team included Christine Hatch, Paula Wilson, Ernest Cisneros, Mori Sogomonian, Maria Douglas, Toki Hughes, Catherine Hudgins, Kelly Hardison, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Arthur Hernandez, and Edward Estrada.

Ernest Cisneros, who is now a councilman for the City of Colton, reflected on that time. “What an encouragement my teammates all were to each other,” he said. “We all got along really well. It was exciting to be a part of the actual trial that went on.”

Team members were chosen by Mr. Hayes based on their public speaking ability, high G.P.A, and interest in the judicial and legal system.