GALLIPOLIS — Students from River Valley High School exercised their critical thinking and public speaking skills during a mock trial conducted Wednesday at the Gallia County Courthouse.

RVHS language arts teacher Cindy Graham and librarian Josie Bapst are the co-advisors for mock trial, in which 20 students participated. Students played the roles of attorneys, witnesses and court officers during the two trials held Wednesday in Gallia County Common Pleas Court and Gallia County Probate-Juvenile Court.

Gallia County Common Pleas Judge D. Dean Evans and Magistrate Linda R. Warner presided over each trial. Gallipolis City Solicitor Adam Salisbury served as legal advisor for the RVHS mock trial team. Graham said Salisbury’s assistance and guidance has been extremely valuable in preparing the students for the trial.

“Mock trial teaches critical thinking,” Graham said. “I think the kids really benefit from it. I’m surprised more schools aren’t involved. It’s a great program.”

The following River Valley students participated in the mock trial: Carole Armstrong, senior; Christina Armstrong, senior; Kelcie Carter, junior; Laura Dye, senior; Becca Evans, senior; Amber Gilbert, senior; Chris Goodrich, junior; Jessica Hager, junior; Abby Hammond, sophomore; Emily Hammond, senior; Brad Harless, senior; Erin Johnson, sophomore; Kody Lambert, freshman; Denise Madriz, junior; Joshua McLeary, junior; Ellie Sanders, junior; Sayvon Thompson, sophomore; Carissa Wolfe, junior; Bill Workman, sophomore; and Robert Yates, senior.

Graham said River Valley has been offering the mock trial program for students for nearly 10 years.