Student events sponsored

The Ventura County Office of Education has announced a partnership with the County Schools Federal Credit Union for sponsorship of the Ventura County Mock Trial and Academic Decathlon competitions.

Bob Emerich is chief executive officer of the credit union.

The credit union has donated $35,000 for two competitions.

The Mock Trial is designed to clarify the workings of legal institutions for students through firsthand experience.

Students in grades nine to 12 portray each of the principals in the cast of courtroom characters.

Student teams study a hypothetical case, conduct legal research, receive guidance from volunteer attorneys in courtroom procedure and t r i a l preparation.

They present their case before volunteer judges.

The mission of the United States Academic Decathlon is to promote and recognize learning and achievement by emphasizing the value of academic excellence for all students.

Students from all academic backgrounds are included.

A team consists of nine fulltime students from the ninth through 12th grades of the same high school.

Each nine-member team is made up of three students whose grade point average falls into the "A" category, three students in the "B" category and three students in the "C" category.