As the heat of summer settles in and the anticipation of a new school year begins to brew, there comes the feeling of excitement to usher a new class into Miami Mock Trial. Of course, saying “hello” to new friends means coming to terms with saying “goodbye” to old ones. While the members of the Class of 2022 were each accomplished in their roles as attornies and witnesses, their most important roles were as our leaders, mentors, confidants, and friends.

Logan Colson is the youngest in this class to graduate. Logan came into the program with a love for mock trial fostered by her four years of experience in high school. Whether she was an impassioned defense attorney or an expert with a wealth of knowledge, Logan never strived for anything less than perfection. Logan quickly stood out among her class as a leader. Logan’s leadership extended to her younger teammates, too. We will remember Logan for offering a kind word and a soft smile to anyone who needed it. She cheered on team and personal successes alike.

Having completed her undergraduate work degree in three years, Logan will next pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. Logan’s love for animals is contagious. During her three years, Logan proudly fostered various animals yet never wavered in her dedication to Miami Mock Trial. We wish the soon-to-be Dr. Colson the best of luck in her future endeavors, even though we know she won’t need it.

*Briana Cowman with fellow alumni Cameron Metz (left) and Zion Miller (right)*

Though she be but little, Briana Cowman is undeniably fierce. In the courtroom, Briana took no prisoners and bestowed no mercy. Briana served the program for four years as a successful attorney, and we will remember her standout rounds among top-tier programs across the country. Outside of the courtroom, however, Briana’s fierceness faded to kindness. The Chi Omega sister was widely known for her sweet and thoughtful nature. An active member of Women in Law and the Community Standards Boards, Briana strove to uplift her friends and community. Briana selflessly served as numerous individuals’ support systems.

Having graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology, Briana will attend Case Western Reserve University’s School of Law. Though we can expect her to continue her streak of relentless advocacy, we can also expect her to lead her legal career with the compassion and good will that comes oh-so naturally to her. We are sure she will light up CWRU with the same smile and endlessly gracious attitude with which she lit our days.

Catherin Lammersen is the most decorated competitor of the Class of 2022. A double-threat, Catherine acquired 12 personal career awards, including two All-Regional Attorney titles and two All-National Witness titles. She was an essential player in some of MMT’s biggest wins, including their undefeated win at GAMTI in 2020 and securing the best ORCs winning record in 2021. And although her most glamorous successes were in the courtroom, Catherine was just as essential to the team at practice and at home. Catherine was MMT’s event coordinator, logistics person, and crisis management team rolled into one 5”10, Dairy Queen fanatic.

Catherine, a Kappa Kappa Gamma sister, graduated with degrees in Art History and Political Science. She moves to the Big Apple this year to attend the NYU Institute of Fine Arts. This program will miss Catherine in a hundred different ways, but is not worried that she will succeed at all she does in the future. With her innate exceptionality and admirable work ethic, the world is hers for the taking.

Cameron Metz has, as Shrek would say, layers. On the outside, Cameron loved mock trial. In his four years, he portrayed witness and attorney alike.

But outside of mock trial and underneath that layer, he pursued varied academic studies. He acquired a Philosophy and Political Science double major. He was a Scholar Leader, an undergraduate Summer Scholar, and a member of the Community Standards Board. Cameron also conducted research in areas of action, intention, agency, practical reason, and normal rationality (don’t worry - Cameron knows what that means). Yet still, more layers persist. Beneath his attempts to permanently fuse his Airpods into his eardrums, Cameron will always be remembered for his efforts to make those around him feel appreciated.

After graduation, Cameron is leaving the environmentally erratic state of Ohio to join Goldman Sachs as an Operations Analyst in Dallas, Texas. We expect Cameron to re-embrace his Keto tendencies as he finds the wealth of Texas barbecue overwhelming.

To put it mildly, Santiago Puente had his plate full during his four years at Miami University. Santiago will be most fondly remembered for his colorful, if not occasionally out-of-pocket, character renditions. His thrill-seeking Cameron Lee shined with a passion for hiking and scuba-skydiving. His Dr. Syed – and this is a quote from opposing counsel – “literally inflamed the passions of the jury.” Santiago’s characters sparked Marie Kondo levels of joy.

Beyond Miami Mock Trial, Santiago participated in club tennis, International Business Organization, and the Miami University Scholar Leaders programs all while receiving his Masters in International Studies and Chinese. Most people would shudder at the sheer thought of doing all that at once. For Santiago, incomparable ambition is as natural as breathing.

Now bound for the UCLA School of Law, Santiago leaves behind a legacy far bigger than he could have anticipated when he tried out four years ago. Santiago was always ready to give a pre-round pep talk, a post-round hug, and an all-around infectious smile. Santiago’s immeasurable capacity to freely give kindness and joy to the people around him has left a positive mark on all of us, and for that, we could not be luckier to know him.

Congratulations, Class of 2022, and thank you for all that you have brought to Miami Mock Trial. Do your part well, and don’t be a stranger.

And now we search for the next class of fledgling Mockhawks. Stay tuned to the Blog this summer and our social media posts for updates and reasons to join, as if you should need any. We’ll also be taking questions. Please email questions for prospective members to MiamiMockTrial@miamioh.edu, and yours could be featured and answered.

Class of 2022: Senior Sendoff

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