HDSB Students Cultivate Confidence and Advocacy Skills at Mock Trial Tournament

Garth Webb Secondary School recently hosted some of the most promising legal minds from the Halton District School Board, as students gathered on May 1, 2026 for the Ontario Justice Education Network's (OJEN) Competitive Mock Trial Tournament. The tournament featured 10 teams from across Halton. Students served as lawyers and witnesses, presenting criminal law cases before judges who are legal professionals within the local community.

Preparation began early in the school year as students refined legal arguments, rehearsed examinations and practiced critical thinking under pressure. This dedication paid off for the host school, as the Garth Webb SS team secured a first-place finish.

For many students, however, the most meaningful outcomes extended far beyond the final results.

Grade 12 student Nawra Ahmed described the experience as “an amazing opportunity to develop my public speaking, quick thinking and analytical skills.” Nawra also reflected on the sense of community built through the program, noting that Mock Trial helps students meet “like-minded peers” with whom they can enjoy engaging conversations.

Grade 11 student Inaya Ahmad also emphasized the personal growth that came from participating in Mock Trial.

“I originally joined Mock Trial looking for an academic extracurricular, but it became one of the most impactful experiences of my high school career,” Inaya shared. “It strengthened my confidence in public speaking, collaboration and professionalism, while opening my eyes to a possible future in law.”

Grade 12 student Arthur Chao described the program as “the defining experience” of his high school journey.

“I joined in Grade 9 to see if law was something I could pursue, but it stayed with me for all four years,” he said. “Mock Trial gave me confidence, taught me to lead under pressure and helped me see the future I want to pursue.”

Students also emphasized the strong sense of teamwork and community built through the experience. Grade 11 student Banipreet Sachdeva reflected that the tournament challenged students to step outside their comfort zones while building skills that will continue to benefit them in their futures.

 “Opportunities like this are so valuable in high school because they give students the chance to explore possible career paths in a real and engaging way, while also building skills that will help us long after graduation.”

Through OBA/OJEN Competitive Mock Trial events, thousands of students across Ontario — including hundreds within the HDSB — gain opportunities to develop advocacy, analytical thinking, oral communication and leadership skills. The program also aligns closely with the HDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan commitment to Learning, Engagement and Achievement by helping students connect classroom learning with authentic, real-world experiences.

Teacher organizers Matthew Wilks and Melissa Senn were eager to bring the event back to the HDSB after several years of it being hosted elsewhere.

Mr. Wilks noted that Mock Trial gives students the opportunity to strengthen transferable future-ready skills such as creativity, critical thinking, adaptability and problem-solving, while building meaningful connections with both peers and professionals in the legal community.

“Mock Trial provides students with opportunities to develop their advocacy skills in a supportive environment that builds connections between students and our local legal community in a way that develops excellence and supports their individual interests and aspirations,” he said.

The program's impact extends beyond the secondary level. For the past two years, Garth Webb team members have partnered with Grade 8 students from Captain R. Wilson PS to lead workshops on advocacy and analytical thinking.

By mentoring younger students and introducing them to legal education opportunities early, the initiative helps foster belonging, confidence and community connections during the transition to high school.

“We love seeing students able to build relationships with each other and the community,” said Mr. Wilks. “We are lucky to have the support of our administrators at Garth Webb SS and the HDSB in creating these dynamic opportunities for students.”