Marianas High School will represent the CNMI at the 2026 National High School Mock Trial Championship in Des Moines, Iowa, after defeating six other schools to win the NMI High School Mock Trial competition held March 5–6 at the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands.
Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona presided over the championship round, where MHS secured first place over runner‑up Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr. & Senior High School. It marked the second consecutive year the two schools faced off in the finals — and the second straight year MHS prevailed.
The winning MHS team — Ainsely Ancheta, Angelica Hope Calvo, Danice Fernando, Steven Lian, Frances Arianne Licda, Isabella Mallari, David Park, Aquinna Dion Santos, Trixia Jhoanne Singca, D’Ana Teregeyo and Reese Kaeley Tolentino — will compete on the national stage in May. Their teacher coaches are Robyn Spaeth and Jacoby Winkfield, with attorneys Michael Dotts and Rebecca Wiggins serving as attorney coaches.
Team member Ancheta credited the group’s long hours and shared commitment. “We work really hard, especially with the help of our coaches. It’s attributed to every single student on our team,” she said.
Calvo noted the rising caliber of all participating schools.
“Everyone stepped up their game. It was an honor to compete with teams that clearly put in all the hard work,” she said, adding that she hopes to apply lessons from last year’s nationals to improve their performance.
Lian, a returning competitor, said this year’s squad is stronger and more prepared. He previously competed in the 2025 national mock trial and won the 2025 CNMI Moot Court competition.
Mock Trial Club President Trixia Jhoanne Singca described the team’s intense preparation. “A lot of times we see sunsets at MHS because that’s how late we’re staying. I’m very proud of everyone, and we thank our coaches,” she said, noting that many practices were held in Dotts’ office. “He sacrifices his time and space for us. We’re very grateful.”
The team expects to receive the national case materials in late March, giving them just over a month to prepare.
MHS has dominated the CNMI Mock Trial circuit in recent years, winning titles in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025 and now 2026.
In 2024, the school was declared champion by default due to low participation.
This year’s fictional case focused on teen vaping and the death of a Pagan High School sophomore, raising questions about youth access to e‑cigarettes and the liability of vape retailers.
Teams from Kagman High School, Mount Carmel School, Saipan International School, Saipan Southern High School and Tinian High School also competed, arguing the case before federal judges and practicing attorneys.
