Perham attorney Terry Karkela was selected for the Outstanding Professional Performance Award as an attorney coach for Perham High Schools Mock Trial Team.
Karkela won the prestigious award this year, selected as the recipient from nearly 200 of his colleagues in the legal profession.
Terry, who has been coaching Mock Trial in Perham for nearly 15 years, was the sole recipient in the entire State of Minnesota for the Performance Award.
The honor was to be presented at the state high school Mock Trial tournament awards ceremony, March 15 in rochester.
The Perham Mock Trial team made its fourth appearance at the state contest this week. Results of the tournament were not available when this edition went to press.
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I was very honored, and surprised, said Karkela. It is a statewide award, and it is especially rewarding, being from a smaller, outstate community. There are a lot of Mock Trial advisors out there, so it is a real honor to be chosen
Mock Trial very beneficial to the students who participate, said Karkela, reflecting on the personal growth and accomplishments he has seen in students over the years.
Students learn to think on their feet; react....while at the same time following rules and guidelines they have to learn. Mock Trial gives them a great deal of poise and self-confidence when in front of the public.
In addition, students learn how to critically analyze a problem. It also strengthens listening and oral skills.
Plus, students learn about how the legal system works--which is an added bonus, said Karkela.
