"Fierce Rivalry and Newfound Camaraderie" at the National Youth Judicial Competition

By: Michael Phan, junior

STJ students at the Minnesota state capitol.

This summer, I had the chance of a lifetime to travel to St. Paul, Minnesota with my team for the national youth judicial tournament. As soon as we landed, a whirlwind of excitement and nerves swept over me. The trials were looming, and the competitive atmosphere was palpable. Yet, outside the courtroom, the scene was unexpectedly warm and friendly. It was a strange mix of fierce rivalry and newfound camaraderie—where we were rivals in the courtroom but friends once the gavel came down.

I had expected every team to be a formidable opponent, and many were. But to my surprise, some teams seemed disorganized and flustered, which underscored just how much our summer of preparation had paid off. Our team of eight—five witnesses and three lawyers—had spent countless hours preparing, working on objections, and fine-tuning our examinations. We were committed to our principles, with strong arguments and unwavering testimonies. Our lawyers expertly managed objections and delivered compelling arguments that made a lasting impression on the evaluators. One moment that stands out vividly was during a cross-examination. Our witness, Jordan Rossell, managed to use up 14 of the 20 minutes allocated to the opposing counsel. Her strategic handling of the situation disrupted their plans and gave us a significant edge. The evaluators were notably impressed, especially with our closing arguments and the strength of our witness testimonies. But the trip was more than just the trials. It was a chance to connect with high school students from across the nation, sharing stories about our different school experiences. These conversations were a reminder that, despite the competition, we were all there to learn and grow. The journey itself was filled with excitement.

Eight students represented STJ at the National Youth Judicial Competition in St. Paul, MN: Jaden Rossell, Jordan Rossell, Alex Ruona, Carter Miller, Will Alexander, Michael Phan, and Ava Donaldson.

The Mall of America was a highlight—an immense playground of shopping, roller coasters, miniature golf, and endless food options. It was the perfect escape from the tournament’s intensity and a chance to unwind and have some fun.

Reflecting on the trip, I realize how profoundly it impacted me. This experience was not just about competing; it was about sharing a journey with people who have become some of my closest friends. Spending those final trials with my team, who have been my partners in countless late-night practices and intense debates, felt like a culmination of so many shared efforts and dreams. Each argument, each witness testimony, and each strategy session was a testament to our dedication and unity.

STJ youth judicial students at the YMCA national youth judicial competition.

As we wrapped up the tournament, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with a group of people who pushed me to be my best, who shared my triumphs and my anxieties. These were moments of joy, frustration, and ultimate pride that we experienced together. The laughter we shared in the quiet moments between rounds, the camaraderie in the face of fierce competition, and the unwavering support we provided each other are memories I will cherish forever. Saying goodbye was bittersweet. I found myself overwhelmed with emotion as I realized that this chapter of our lives was closing.

The reality of moving on to new challenges and paths loomed large, but so did the profound sense of having been part of something truly special. I’m incredibly grateful for every moment of this trip—for the victories, the setbacks, the lessons learned, and most of all, for the people who made it unforgettable. As we go our separate ways, I’ll hang on to all the memories of this summer and the incredible team that made it so remarkable. I’ll miss you all more than words can express, but I’m happy knowing that our experience together is something that we will never forget. Here’s to the future and to the friendships that will last beyond our time together. #wearesaintjamesschool