Sophomores Steven Lian and Ricky Tang defeated classmates Ainsley Ancheta and Montrey Germance in an all-MHS showdown to win the 2025 competition. Their victory means Lian and Tang will represent the Commonwealth at the national high school moot court in Washington, D.C., next March.
Lian said competing on the national stage is “a great way to represent our islands and it’s an honor to be considered.” Tang added the case topic “seems pretty interesting” and will take time to master.
MHS attorney coach Steve Woodruff praised the team’s preparation, saying the students “were already driving themselves” and he simply guided them through the nuances of advocacy.
The annual program, hosted by the CNMI Supreme Court and supported by the Public School System’s Federal Programs Office, challenges students to research, write briefs, and argue constitutional issues before judges.
Education Commissioner Lawrence Camacho said the competition builds confidence, critical thinking, and public speaking skills, and showcases the caliber of CNMI students.
Other schools in the competition included Mount Carmel School, Saipan International School, and Saipan Southern High School.
