News Archive

For the past three years, IU McKinney professors and law students have taught at Shortridge and law students have mentored and coached the high school students for their mock trial team.  

High School senior Markell Pipkins was awarded the Best Witness honor at the Indiana Mock Trial Competition on March 7-8 at the Indianapolis City-County Building.  Pipkins continued his winning streak, having received the same recognition at the Regional competition in both 2015 and 2013.  

“It is very clear to all who meet him that Markell is an exceptional young man with exceptional intellectual and oratory skills,” said Professor Carlton Waterhouse who helped to organize the partnership between IU McKinney and Shortridge.  “He exemplifies the high caliber of students we work with at Shortridge every year!  We have high expectations for Markell and his classmates and the great contribution they will make to this city and the world.”

"It has truly been a pleasure to work with the faculty and staff of Robert H. McKinney School of Law for the past three years," said Dr. Randolph Cochran, coordinator of the magnet program and coach of the mock trial team.  "Our Shortridge students have gained such vital positive exposure to the law through the generosity of the law professors and students from McKinney."  

In the state-wide competition, teams of high school students present a National Institute for Trial Advocacy-style case, complete with opening, presentation of witnesses and tangible evidence, objections based on the federal rules of evidence, and closing.  The competition is an excellent opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the legal system, develop critical thinking skills and improve their advocacy and public speaking.  

The Shortridge team included Tyla Smith, Emerald Evans, Mary Baker, Brittany Gasama, Clarence Reed, Markell Pipkins, Xybrina Wilson, Terrence Strong, and Journee Harris.  

Professor Novella Nedeff, ’83 helped the team prepare and IU McKinney Law students who volunteered their time to assist were Burnell Grimes, Darwinson Valdez, Hira Malik, Ranissa Dyars, Stephanie Rivas, Jasmine Ivy-Dede, Sierra Senor, and Keshia Springer. 

Pictured left to right: At the inaugural event announcing the partnership in 2012, Professor Carlton Waterhouse posed with IU McKinney alumna Doneisha Posey, ’14, Professor Florence Roisman, and Shortridge student Markell Pipkins who won Best Witness honors at this year’s state-wide high school mock trial competition.