My father, Richard Vernon Phay, otherwise known by his students as Mr. Phay, was a history and psychology teacher at Crook County High School in Prineville, Oregon from the mid-seventies until the early 2000’s. In the early 90’s he started teaching a Mock Trials class. My friend Tao Potter and I were in his first class and were able to take our team from the Central Oregon competition that year to state in Portland, Oregon, a trip I remember with fond memories.
Here’s a picture I took of our class during the first Mock Trial class in 1990 or 1991. From left to right I see Tony McWilliams, Daphne James/Weller (my high school sweet heart), someone I can’t exactly recall the name of offhand (sorry, will get out the year book!), and Brian Corliss/Tawney.
I discovered several VHS tapes of Mock Trials classes my dad had recorded in 1996 which I’ve digitized and shared here. It’s so nice to hear his voice again and hear him engaged and doing something he loved so much: teaching.
Richard Phay’s Mock Trial class: video of high school students presenting part of the U.S. Constitution then sitting in work groups. Later you hear Mr. Phay talking with his aid.
Richard Phay’s Mock Trial class: video of students giving presentations followed by a presentation by a local defense attorney.
Richard Phay’s Mock Trial class: video of a local defense attorney talking to the class.
Richard Phay’s Mock Trial class: video of a local defense attorney talking to the class.
If you happen to know anyone in these videos please reach out to me: RyanPhayPDX@gmail.com