Fine Arts Student of the Week: Sophomore likes to play a lawyer

Emma McConville

Grade: Sophomore.

Age: 16.

Art focus: Brainerd High School mock trial

Adviser nomination: "Emma is new to mock trial this year and has taken on the challenge of being a lawyer, and her lawyer part includes doing the closing arguments for both sides of the case. The team recently competed and won their trial against Albany High School and Emma played a big part in that win: the questioning of her witnesses was clear and concise. Her closing argument delivered the facts but she really stood out in her dramatic delivery. Emma came in to mock trial this year ready and eager for the new challenge of learning about the law and said yes to every opportunity thrown at her. She has guts, sass and the work ethic to back it all up. Since she is a sophomore, it will be a treat to watch her skills grow and develop."

Memorable fine arts achievement: "Winning my first ever mock trial this season."

Artist most admired: Michael Sweeney, an American composer.

Other fine arts activities: Symphonic Band, playing the tenor saxophone and debate.

Why join mock trial: "I've always been interested in watching trials and I thought it would be a cool thing to be a lawyer. In mock trial, you learn about the law and gain public speaking skills and its something fun to do. I get a lot of people who ask me if I want to be a lawyer, but it's just a hobby of mine that I find intriguing to me. Not something I want to do for a career."

Biggest challenge: "Biggest challenge for me was how much work and effort goes into it. There is a lot of work that goes into learning about the objections, the opening and closing statements and all the lawyer terms and court procedures."

Why did you want to be a lawyer: "The idea of being a lawyer was really cool to me. I wanted to play the part to see if the career would interest me."

Biggest surprise in the activity: "We've had two meets so far and when we go to trial the biggest surprise was seeing how the other teams show how they want to perceive a witness."

You give it your all in mock trial: "This is mostly how I am. If I put my mind into something and if it intrigues my interest I give it my all."

The case: "The case is about a guy named Cameron Farris who speeds through a yellow light and kills a young girl. He is charged with vehicular criminal homicide and careless driving. Prosecuting this case is easier than the defense as there is more evidence that he is guilty of both charges."

Dream job: "I'm not exactly sure, but would like to do something in marketing. The idea of selling a product intrigues me. That is my more realistic career, but my dream would be to play in an orchestra."

Favorite TV show: "Once Upon A Time."

Favorite books: "The Berlin Boxing Club" and The Lockwood and Co. series.

Favorite song: "I Smile."

Favorite movie: "Coraline" and "Rent."

Favorite band: Day 6.

Hobbies: "I like writing and listening to podcasts, I like listening to cases on serial killers."

Perfect meal: "Fried rice is my favorite."

Biggest pet peeve: "When someone is trying to talk and someone else talks over the conversation and it is disrespecting the person trying to talk."

Parents: Lisa and Phillip McConville of Brainerd.