Anthony Cherry had an idea.

The Upper School history teacher wanted to bridge the gap between textbook civics and live, high-stakes communication.

Taking advantage of his connections with the local federal courts and their education programs, Mr. Cherry launched a new Summer Program called “The Courtroom Intensive: Mock Trial & Litigation Strategy.”

The camp, open to Middle School and Upper School students, is centered around law, but its impact goes much deeper.

“Beyond learning the mechanics of legal objections and trial strategy, they are walking away with lifelong skills,” Mr. Cherry said. “They are mastering public speaking, learning how to analyze complex information quickly, and building deep academic confidence as they step into the shoes of trial attorneys.”

In total, there were four trial simulations: two on campus and two inside Jodi F. Jayne’s federal courtroom in downtown Tulsa. Judge Christine D. Little was also on campus and led mock trials with students.

When Jayne welcomed eight Upper School students into her courtroom, they argued a mock trial based on New Jersey v. T.L.O., the landmark 1985 Supreme Court case that defined the authority of public school officials to search students. From the bench, Jayne heard the students’ arguments, questioned both sides, and offered feedback. Other local attorneys also assisted students throughout the proceedings.

“I’m just grateful to have met these people who gave their time to kind of give us a really good look into what it is that they do,” said senior Chase Wilson, who was one of the eight students who participated in the mock trial inside Jayne’s courtroom. “I feel even more certain this is something I want to do.” 

Chase’s interest in law extends beyond the classroom. His father is an attorney, and this summer he completed a two-week internship at GableGotwals, a Tulsa law firm with more than 100 attorneys.

For Mr. Cherry, the camp is about much more than learning courtroom procedure.

“History shouldn’t just be about memorizing names and dates from a textbook,” Mr. Cherry said. “It’s about understanding the human experience, civic responsibility, and critical thought.”

Mr. Cherry is a recipient of the prestigious James Madison Fellowship, a highly competitive national award established by Congress that, as funding permits, selects one Fellow from each state each year. It recognizes current and aspiring secondary educators who demonstrate a deep commitment to teaching the principles and history of the U.S. Constitution.

The rigorous application process requires extensive essays on constitutional jurisprudence, and recipients receive funding to pursue a master’s degree. Mr. Cherry earned his master’s degree from the University of Tulsa with a focus on constitutional history and political science.

“All the teachers I’ve met have been super amazing. Mr. Cherry might be my favorite teacher I’ve ever had,” Chase said. “Part of it is just his teaching style. There are lectures, but most of the learning happens when you’re actually engaged in the source material. There’s been mock trials in his class, discussions, debates, and just stuff that really gets me thinking.”

Mr. Cherry hopes this year’s camp is only the beginning.

“While this is my first summer camp, it is designed to be a continuous, evolving project,” Mr. Cherry said. “The goal is to build on this framework year after year, expanding our partnership with the courts and creating a premier pipeline for students interested in law, ethics, and advocacy.”

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Photos by Chris McConnell and Patrick Prince