Fine Arts Student of the Week: Mock trial is a natural fit for BHS senior

Luke Norquist

Grade: Senior

Age: 18.

Art focus: Brainerd High School mock trial.

Adviser nomination: "Luke is the lead lawyer of four lawyers on this year's Mock Trial Team. He also gives the closing argument. Luke is masterful in the courtroom. Some members of the last team we faced, and defeated, said he intimidated them because he was so polished and well-spoken. Luke is new to mock trial this year, and in his first trial his closing argument earned him a score of 10 out of 10."

Memorable fine arts achievement: "My most memorable fine arts achievement in mock trial is I got to impeach a witness. Our mock trial team record is 2-1. It's a group effort and I am very proud of our group."

Other fine arts activities: Wind Symphony, jazz band, debate, competitive speech and mock trial.

What is the case about: "It's about a student at school who protested through a video and the student insulted the principal. There were disruptions afterwards and the student was punished. The argument is whether punishing the student is an infringement of free speech. In mock trial, you argue both ways, as the defense and plaintiff."

Which is your strongest argument: "Arguing for the student, the plaintiff's side. It's easier to fight because it's a lot easier to stand up for free speech than saying it wasn't free speech, you have a more compelling case."

Why did you join Mock Trial: "Before I was unable to join because I was very busy with debate, band and other activities. Ms. Carlson (mock trial adviser) approached me and she was very persuasive. She coaxed me to go to meeting and once I learned more about it I was hooked. Debate just finished and mock trial meet was the same time as the state debate. I made it to both. It was a busy time and finals were the week after, it was stressful, but stress is good for you."

What do you like about being a lawyer: "I had the experience needed to be a lawyer as I was in debate and in debate you argue for and against topics. I like being a lawyer, for sure. I like the real worldliness of it, having witnesses who are not always on your side and you try to get them to say what you want them to say. A lot of the times I can get them to say what I want to, but many times they can be slippery too."

Tell me your strategy in mock trial: "I lay a lot of foundation work on the argument and if you present your facts and make the conclusion very clear to what you want them to say, it works. Debate has helped me in mock trial as it helps me see both sides of a case and helps me present in a persuasive and calm matter."

What is your weakness: "Some of the nitty gritty court jargon procedures, I am a little rough at that. Debate has taught me to speak too fast and I have to slow it down in mock trial."

How many times have you received student of the week: "I received fine arts student of the week twice in debate; and now in mock trial."

Favorite TV show: "Game of Thrones."

Favorite subject: AP European History.

Favorite movie: "The Dark Knight."

Favorite band: Queen.

After School plans: "I plan to study either law or math. I have pinned it down to going to the University of Minnesota, Gustavus Adolphus or Carleton College. I will have to wean them down soon ... I am horrible at making decisions."

Food you hate: Eggs.

Something people don't know about you: "I am a twin. My twin brother is Jack Norquist. We are not identical. He technically was born first."

Last movie seen in movie theater: "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."

When not at school or doing school activities what do you do: "I avoid sleep, I am bad at that. I like to spend time with friends or watch TV."

Parents: Ben and Jennifer Norquist of Baxter.