Fine Arts Student of the Week: Student plays lawyer, wants to be one

Alyssa Neistadt

Grade: Senior

Age: 17.

Art focus: Brainerd High School mock trial.

Adviser nomination: "Alyssa Neistadt is one of the lawyers on the mock trial team. She is responsible for questioning two witnesses, meaning she has to write direct examination questions and cross examination questions for each witness. Alyssa also writes and gives the opening statement when we are playing plaintiff and when we play the defense side. This is a very challenging role and Alyssa has excelled at it. She is scary good at cross examination. Alyssa is tireless in her quest to 'get it right' and improve her performance with each competition. She is also so supportive of her teammates, she gets everyone to do their best."

Memorable fine arts achievement: "Going to the mock trial state tournament this year."

Other fine arts activities: A Cappella Choir, Art Club and theater.

How did the state tournament go: "This year was different from past years. We had our objections down and we were more prepared and ready for state. Only one of us has been to state so if we could just have one more year in mock trial we could have won it all."

Why did you join mock trial: "I saw a poster on mock trial. I had no idea it existed. I normally do a winter sport, but when I saw this I wanted to put my time into this. I joined because I was interested in possibly pursuing a career in the legal field and wanted to learn more about it."

"Your greatest skill: "I do the opening and I do a really good job at presenting the trial in a way that benefits the team and make the case sound interesting enough for the people listening to be interested in it. I'm also really good at controlling the witnesses and having them say what I want to, good at interpersonal communication."

Advice for younger students to join mock trial: "Even if you don't want to be a lawyer, it is good to be in mock trial because it helps you think on your feet and be more confident about yourself. It helps you be prepared to have all the information you need to respond to any question. You learn life skills. It's so much work, but well worth it and you will meet some good friends."

Anything else you want to address with mock trial: "Ms. Carlson puts so much work into this team and has so much passion. I wouldn't have went this far if it wasn't for her. She is relentless, so amazing. I've had many coaches and teachers over the years and she is so great."

Dream job: "I want to be a judge, but that means I have to start with being a lawyer.

"I'm not sure yet where I am going to college. After high school I am going to Hawaii to be a nanny for my aunt."

Favorite TV show: "Frasier."

Favorite book: "1984."

Favorite subject: History/government.

Favorite movies: "Steel Magnolias" and "Beaches."

Favorite bands: Queen and The Beatles.

Favorite Food: "I love everything seafood."

Sports/clubs: "I have been in soccer, skiing, track, Youth in Government, Key Club, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Junior Brainerd Jaycees and the Minnesota All-State Lutheran Choir."

Spring break plans: "Buying a prom dress and going on a road trip with a friend. Last year for spring break I went to Hawaii with the choir group and that was awesome."

Fun story: "I went to Nevis with my friend's family and they took me fishing for northerns. We woke up at 7 a.m. and were on the lake at 8 a.m. I caught eight northern in two hours. It was crazy. My friend got me into fishing."

Biggest pet peeve: "Movie spoilers. It makes me so upset."

Parents: Seth and Emily Neistadt of East Gull Lake.