Today@Sam Article

COCJ Student Earns Top Awards in Mock Trial Competition

Sept. 10, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

Bearkats like Zarek Sain in the College of Criminal Justice know the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity SHSU has to offer. With plans to enroll in law school next fall, Sain is eager to develop his leadership and decision-making skills through both community and campus involvement.

By Arina Garcia

Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice (SHSU-COCJ) student Zarek Sain earned First Place Champion and the Honorable Morris L. Overstreet Best Oral Advocate Award in the 2025 Honorable Belinda J. Hill Mock Trial Competition. The two-day event, held Aug. 4-5, featured multiple rounds of trials for local interns and law students interested in showcasing their advocacy skills. 

Zarek Sain

“One of the biggest lessons I learned is that anything is possible if you are willing to give 200 percent,” Sain said. “Success does not come easy, but with hard work, confidence and persistence, you can achieve your biggest goals.”  

Each round of the competition was evaluated by practicing attorneys with over three years of experience using a structured rubric. The final round was judged by the Honorable Belinda J. Hill herself.  

“I was honored to win Best Oral Advocate in each round and ultimately the final elimination round,” Sain said. “This competition sharpened my advocacy skills and pushed me to believe in myself.”  

With plans to enroll in law school next fall, Sain is eager to develop his leadership and decision-making skills through both community and campus involvement. The senior serves as the polemarch of the Rho Pi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc., the treasurer of the National Black Law Students Association, a member of the Elliot T. Bowers Honors College, and the ELITE program. This year, he has also been nominated to join the Student Government Association’s Student Justice Board. 

Sain learned about the competition through his summer internship with the 180th District Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Da’Sean Jones, which equipped him with the necessary tools for success. 

“My internship prepared me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I gained first-hand exposure to courtroom etiquette, trial advocacy and the proper use of objections. I also learned how to research case law and observe the strategies attorneys use to be effective advocates,” Sain said. “Watching both attorneys and judges in action gave me a real understanding of how cases are handled and how the courtroom should be run, which directly helped me in the competition.” 

As his academic journey with SHSU reaches a close, he continues to grow his professional network and explore experiential learning opportunities. Next summer, Sain will begin an internship with the 263rd District Criminal Court under Judge Melissa Morris.  

“I’m very excited about this opportunity because it will allow me to continue learning directly in the courtroom and gain the hands-on experience that I’ll need for law school and beyond,” he said. 

To explore criminal justice internship opportunities, contact the College of Criminal Justice Internship and Career Services Office. 

- END -

This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:

Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti

Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White

Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837

Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638