In conjunction with Freedom Week and Constitution Day, third-grade students at Great Bend’s Jefferson, Park, and Riley Elementary Schools participated in a virtual mock trial hosted by Olathe Public Schools. The unique learning opportunity even featured a special guest appearance from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and U.S. Students were introduced to the U.S. Constitution’s core tenets and gained an overview of how the three branches of government work together. Once the mock trial began, students transitioned into the role of “jury,” carefully observing the legal process for a fictional case involving an alleged student running in the halls. “They really enjoyed being able to deliberate after each witness during the trial and then having a say in the final verdict.