By Jonathan Ontiveros

My experience in the SFA Mock Trial Competition is one that I will not soon forget. I was very enthusiastic yet nervous about entering the competition. I felt this way because a lot of effort, determination, and time had been put into preparing for the event. It was a pleasure to put my practiced skills into action; however, it was challenging. I was challenged throughout the competition to think on my feet, be confident in my speaking, and be adaptable. What made the experience even more meaningful was being recognized as a Top 4 competitor and receiving the Counselor’s Award. In retrospect, the best part of SFA wasn’t the awards I took home, but everything I gained along the way. Mock trial has taught me to believe in myself, to stay cool under pressure, and to know that preparation and teamwork are essential to success. In particular, being awarded the Counselor’s Award truly hit home for me because it reminded me that just as judges scrutinize the evidence, I must also be conscious of how I present myself, how I treat my opponents, and how I behave under pressure. I went home from SFA proud of what I accomplished, thankful to those who helped me along the way, and ready to continue growing as a competitor and advocate. Most of all, it reminded me of what I love about mock trial and inspired me to keep seeking new challenges in the future

My Experience at the Stephen F. Austin Mock Trial Competition—2026 Summer