Year: Freshman.
Age: 14.
Art focus: Mock trial.
Adviser nomination: Mock trial adviser said, “Yuki has taken on and excelled at being a lawyer on this year’s mock trial team. This is Yuki’s first year in mock trial, so he has had to learn everything at once. He is responsible for questioning two witnesses at each trial and he does the opening statement for the plaintiff side of the trial. Yuki works hard at practice, but the key is he always comes prepared with his questions revised again and again.”
Your biggest strength in mock trial: “I feel it is working with friends on the case, learning about the laws and how the justice system works and then putting it all together is my strength.”
What interested you in mock trial: “A lot of my friends in middle school were in mock trial when I lived Wisconsin. So when I moved to Brainerd last summer and started school here I thought I’d try it out. It is fun.”
How has mock trial improved your skills: “It has made my think things through more thoroughly, whether it be the questions or the presentation of the case. In school, it has helped me with time management. I spend two hours a day practicing the violin, an hour to two hours doing homework and then I do mock trial.”
Are you interested in becoming a lawyer: “Not yet. It could be a possibility. My main focus is to major in music education. I’d like to be in a professional orchestra or be a teacher.”
Most memorable fine arts achievement: “Receiving an honorable mention two years ago at my first competition in the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra; representing Madison, Wis., in the WSYO middle level state honors orchestra when I was in sixth grade; and three straight years performing in the solo and ensemble in Wisconsin.”
Why did you move to Brainerd: “My dad got a full-time job at Central Lakes College as a physics and engineering instructor.”
Movie you last saw in the theater: “Cars II.”
Favorite book: “Hunger Games.”
Favorite TV series: “MythBusters.”
Favorite subject: Mathematics.
Favorite song: “More” by Usher.
Hobbies: Playing the violin, fishing, tennis and training for track and field.
Parents: Megumi and Yoshi Hirai of Brainerd.
Honorable mention: Elizabeth Davidson, senior, art: Art adviser said, “Elizabeth is a very creative student artist. Her artwork is unique and well crafted. She is a cooperative, quiet and polite young woman, who is a delight to have in class and a positive example for her peers.”
— Jennifer Stockinger, Staff Writer
