Walter Clark Creates Unique Opportunity for Desert Sands Students with His Support of a Mock Trial Program

Mock Trial Program at DSUSD Receives Cash Support

Walter Clark

Local attorney and philanthropist Walter Clark has committed $15,765 as an annual gift to support the mock trial program at three Desert Sands High Schools.

The money will be presented to the district on Friday, Jan. 7 at 4 p.m. in front of the District Education Center, 47-950 Dune Palms Road, La Quinta. Clark reached out to Desert Sands Unified School District with one question – How can I help? Connecting him to the students at three high schools participating in mock trial programs seemed the perfect way to share his generosity with young people considering the law as a potential career.

The program at Indio, La Quinta, and Palm Desert high schools will be renamed the Walter Clark Legal Group Mock Trial Club.

Mock Trial Club is an extracurricular activity and organization that has shaped the lives of many students from all walks of life as they learn skills that prepare them for life in the real world, both personally and professionally. Mock Trial Club teaches students critical thinking, analytical skills, improvisational skills, public speaking, professional writing strategies, and ultimately pushes them beyond their comfort zones and gives them the confidence to use these skills in a courtroom setting.

Mock Trial competitions take place throughout the academic year and culminate with an every-other-year opportunity to travel to Boston for a Mock Trial Club conference and educational sessions at Harvard School of Law. Fees for the competitions, local, regional, and national will be covered by the Clark grant. Travel costs will be defrayed, and logoed shirts or blazers will be considered.

The Walter Clark Legal Group has supported area schools for many years including a student of the month program and an alliance with KESQ television for the One Class at a Time program that places funds directly in the hands of a teacher for classroom supplies. In addition, the Civic Achievement Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors pursuing a college education in public service.

The public is welcome to attend the check presentation on Jan. 7.

Image Sources

  • Walter Clark: WalterClark.com
  • Gavel: Pixabay