Last week, our Mock Trial team held a dinner fundraiser and presented a modified version of their trial to spectators, who also served as the jury for the day. This year’s criminal case centers around the prosecution’s assertion that the defendant, a contestant on a popular cooking show, Recipe for Success, either negligently or intentionally poisoned the show’s colorful and mean-spirited celebrity judge using wild-foraged “heartstopper mushrooms.”
After the trial, the jury found Haley Fromholz (portrayed by sophomore Arabella Doyle) not guilty of murder due to reasonable doubt presented by the defense team. The parents of our students prepared a delicious “tlayuda” dinner—the same dish featured in the trial. Luckily, no poisonous mushrooms were foraged in its preparation!
This fundraiser was extremely successful thanks to everyone who helped set up, cook, and contribute, as well as the generous donations from Taylor Whitely, Regina Dickson, and La Casona. The money raised is helping the team attend the State Competition in Oakland this weekend, where they will compete in four rounds against the best teams in the state.
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the LHS Mock Trial Team won first place at the Mendocino County Competition, ending Ukiah High School’s seven-year winning streak and, for the first time since 2018, bringing home the Hon. Ron W. Brown Memorial Mock Trial Trophy.
In the morning round against Ukiah, Laytonville’s prosecution team, led by captain Matthew Posey, secured a first-degree murder conviction against the defendant, Haley Fromholz. The team’s court clerk, Eden Beetz, and star witness, Detective Rio Sacks (portrayed by senior Kylie Waring), both earned individual performance awards.
In the afternoon round against Fort Bragg, team captain Blake Gamble and his teammates established enough reasonable doubt to secure a “not guilty” verdict for their client, Haley Fromholz. Gamble, a junior who earned the highest total point score of the day, received an award for Best Defense Attorney. The defense team’s bailiff, junior Hannah Carbaugh, also stood out in the courtroom, earning an award for Outstanding Bailiff.
We are incredibly grateful to our entire community for consistently supporting our students. Our team’s success would not be possible without our attorney coach, Elina Agnoli, whose passion for Mock Trial began during her time as a student at Laytonville High School. She brings years of collegiate experience and a successful career as an attorney since 2008. Additionally, we were extremely fortunate to have guest coaches Bruce Potter, Luke Oakley, and Beth Norman, who generously volunteered their time to support and mentor our students.
We are incredibly proud of how hard our students have worked, balancing rigorous academics and multiple commitments while preparing for competition. This trip will give them the opportunity to compete at a high level, build confidence, strengthen teamwork, and create lasting memories. We are excited to see them showcase their skills and represent our school, and we wish them the best of luck this weekend!