Pratibha Saroya has made an unforgettable impact in her role as courtroom journalists for the Tracy High School Mock Trial team, earning the prestigious title of Best Courtroom Journalist for San Joaquin County.  

“I really wasn’t expecting to win. This is my first time competing and I was quite nervous for it,” Saroya said. 

As the courtroom journalist, Saroya participates in one of the final rounds where students must make the case sound both serious and engaging. She wrote about a fake case regarding the kidnapping of a political candidate and the overall result of the trial. 

With future ambitions to be a journalist, Saroya was more than excited to take the win and the experience that comes with it. 

“I think it’s an invaluable teaching moment for me,” Saroya explained. “I really wish that I had joined earlier.”  

The Tracy High Mock Trial team previously did not have a courtroom journalist and multiple members of the team believe it added to the overall prestige of the team this year.  

Four-year Mock Trial member, Kavin Satishkumar shared his excitement to have someone fill the position this year.  

 “I’m excited to see her represent our team at the state competition this year and hopefully win where we couldn’t this year,” Satishkumar said. “She has been a super supportive teammate and a welcomed addition to our team.” 

Coach and Tracy High School English teacher, Leighton Scott expressed her delight in having one of her seniors advance further into the competition.  

“She is crushing it her first year. I hope she does really well at state and she is doing Tracy High proud,” Scott said. 

Since the team did not advance to the state level competition, Saroya will be traveling alone to the competition alongside Stockton Early College Academy on March 13.