By: Lynette Huang
Grace Hargrave, a Senior at First Baptist Christian Academy, is a vibrant individual with a
passion for reading, playing instruments, cooking, traveling, and delving into history. This year
marked her debut in both mock trials and youth and government, sparked by the inspiration
drawn from her best friend’s years of participation in Youth and Government trials. Hesitant but
intrigued, Grace decided to give it a shot, motivated by the captivating nature of the trials. “I saw
how interesting it was, so I decided to see how I would like it,” she shared. As a first-year
participant, Grace assumed the role of a defense attorney for Alex Greene. The weight of her
questions became pivotal in determining the fate of the case, and she approached her
responsibilities with a mix of excitement and nerves. Reflecting on her journey in youth and
government, Grace recounted her best memory, highlighting the engaging debates over intricate
case details. “Getting into debates over how the gun was facing, who was correct, and other facts
in the case. Going over those details has been extremely interesting,” she recalled with
enthusiasm. One aspect she cherishes about the trial experience is its grounding in real-life
situations. Grace appreciates the opportunity to evaluate and consider how her generation can
enhance their responses and decisions in matters of democracy. Expressing her enthusiasm for
this year’s trial case, she finds excitement in witnessing the final verdict. Grace’s journey in Mock
Trial and Youth and Government not only showcases her diverse interests but also underscores the
value she places on understanding real-world scenarios and contributing to the growth and
improvement of democratic processes for the next generation. If she had another chance to attend
youth and government, then she would do this all over again. She regrets not participating in this
program earlier in her high school career.