MARYSVILLE – A team of students from three Marysville high schools has qualified for the State Mock Trial Championships in Olympia March 23-25.

The top 24 high school teams from district events statewide will compete for the opportunity to travel to one of two national competitions. To raise money for the Marysville team, a fundraiser will take place March 17. The St. Patrick’s Day Pancake breakfast will be from 8-11 a.m. at the Marysville Applebee’s, 3702 88th St. NE. Tickets are $10 each at the door.

The Marysville team is made up of students from Marysville-Pilchuck, Marysville Getchell and the Arts & Tech high schools. They are led by 10th Street Middle School history teacher Erik Hanson.

Students include Aaron Abele, Valentina Alvarado, Auria Conns-Hale, Zach Farry, Kelsey Fitterer, Sequoia Good, Katelynn Melohusky, Kaliya Moen, Grace Studyvin, Bradley Taylor, Brady Uker, Grace Vares and Megan White. Mock Trial is a program of YMCA Youth & Government. It is a blend of law, debate and drama in which students learn about topical issues and court procedures while sharpening their critical-thinking and public-speaking skills. Volunteer attorneys and judges from around the state judge trials and rate students on their courtroom skills and composure.

The State Championships will take place at the Thurston County Courthouse.