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Shelley Osterloh ReportingA group of teenagers will represent Utah students at a National competition in three weeks. It turns out, Utah's best students in Mock Trials are home-schooled.
Michelle Bailey teaches her four children in home school, sitting around the family kitchen table.
Michelle Bailey, Home School Parent: “We enjoy doing the home school together. The kids have chosen to do this.”
Brittany Bailey, 15 years old: "In home school I can take charge of my own education."
The Baileys belong to a home school Co-op in the Murray Holiday area. With a dozen other families, they share curriculum and teaching.
Last week the teens in the group competed in the state's high school Mock Trial Competition and defeated last year's state champs, West High.
With the help a local attorney, George Harris Jr., they are now preparing their case for the national competition, May 6th. Everyone involved says the kids have learned a lot.
Ben Bailey, 14-years old: "I know how the law system works. I know how they object, and how everything goes on in the court room."
George E Harris Jr., Attorney coach: "When they experience some sort of setback they don't give up, they keep on trying."
Jessica Sharp, 15-years old: "I really have learned self-esteem, knowing that I can do something. And if we really put our minds to something we can change the way that people think of home schoolers."
The teens say some of their peers make fun of home schoolers.
Marion Stobell: "I attend Junior High part time, and they’re like, ‘Oh yeah home schoolers, they are weirdos.’ They think we are freaks, these little nerds. And I'm like whatever. We are so much cooler than actual high schoolers."
The team has one more important assignment before they go to nationals. They have to raise more than $7,000 to pay for their trip to Florida.
The kids say they'll work hard to earn their travel money, just as they did to win the state title and the chance to represent Utah and all home schooled students.
To help raise that money the team is planning a car wash and bake sale on Saturday at 2161 E 3380 S, Salt Lake City
To make tax deductible donations, call Michelle Bailey at 278-9304.
