Administrative Office of the Courts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2025
RATON – Students from Cimarron Elementary participated in a mock trial at the historic Colfax County Courthouse in Raton, debating whether it is more important to exercise or to eat healthily.
Eighth Judicial District Judge Steven Romero and his wife, Andrea, a private practice attorney, sat at opposing counsel tables alongside the students arguing the case. Second, third and fourth-graders served as lawyers, witnesses, jurors and bailiffs. Presiding over the matter was fourth grade teacher Leo Martinez.
The mock trial exposed students to the legal system for dissolving disputes. One side argued that people in the hospital eat healthily but aren’t necessarily healthy. Both sides argued that diet and exercise increased longevity. The jury is still out.
“We teachers felt an exhilarating rush watching the kids shine,” said trip organizer and second grade teacher Debra Romero. “I saw some of my students from last year and this year feeling so confident and I truly think this experience impacted them. This visit has so much potential for all of Colfax County. The kids felt seen and special. ”
In addition to the mock trial, students got a history lesson and a tour of the building by Eighth Judicial District Trial Court Administrative Assistant Lyann Munden and Colfax County Deputy Sheriff Derek Holland. Students heard from Chief Deputy District Attorney Sherri Trevino and Defense Attorney Luis Salazar about the practice of law, and attorney Andrea Romero, who coached the plaintiffs and explained civil law and what being a lawyer in private practice means.
“I’m hopeful that this experience gives kids exposure to our branch of government and what happens in a courtroom,” said Judge Romero. “Only a handful of local attorneys are in Colfax and Union County, so it would be great if some of these students pursued careers in the law. We’ve reached out to all the local schools and are hoping for more engagement in the years to come.”
“We all owe a big thank you to Acting County Manager and County Commissioner Si Trujillo and the Colfax County staff for their help with the building and the Colfax County Sheriff’s Office for providing security. Chief Deputy District Attorney Sherri Trevino, Defense Attorney Luis Salazar and Ms. Andrea Romero for talking to our students and telling them about their jobs, and to Ms. Debra Romero, Mr. John McElhinney, and Mr. Martinez for all their hard work preparing the kids,” said Judge Romero.
All photos courtesy of Lyann Munden, Trial Court Administrative Assistant to Judge Romero.
