Houston High School has advanced to the state finals of the 2015 Constitution Project.
Texas County Associate Circuit Judge Doug Gaston, the founder of the project, announced the news Thursday afternoon to the HHS students and mentors. Houston defeated Dixon, Rolla and West Plains in one of four regional rounds to advance.
The finals are Tuesday in Jefferson City. Other winning schools have not been released.
Now in its third year statewide, the Constitution Project is an intensive, hands-on competition that engages students in investigating a mock crime scene, reporting about the crime and the case as it progresses, culminating in a mock trial ââ all under the mentoring of local professionals in the fields of crime scene investigation, journalism and trial advocacy.
The HHS trial advocacy team is mentored by attorney Kim Lowe, while the journalists are guided by Houston Herald editor Jeff McNiell and the crime scene investigators by retired Houston Police Chief Jim McNiell and Sgt. George Falterman of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Teams were selected based on school district excellence, capability in teaching the three disciplines of the competition and student aptitude. In addition, chosen communities demonstrated pledge commitments from the school, local judges, law enforcement, media and attorneys.
Statewide cosponsors of the project include the patrol, Missouri Sheriff’s Association, Missouri Police Chiefs Association, Missouri Press Association, Missouri Broadcasters Association and The Missouri Bar.