Huntington High School’s mock trial team is in the final stage of preparations for the 2018 courtroom season.
The legal eagles participated in a scrimmage against Northport on Wednesday. The team will formally open the new season next week when the Blue Devils take on St. Anthony’s.
Now in its fourth year of existence, the Huntington courtroom team is expected to again challenge for top honors in Suffolk. The mock trial competition is sponsored by the New York State Bar Association Foundation. The initiative seeks to enhance participant’s public speaking skills and inspire some to consider a legal career.
Huntington High School alums and practicing attorneys Xavier Palacios and Jack Piana serve as the team’s legal advisors. Teachers Suzie Biagi and Sarah Buchalter are the group’s faculty advisors.
This year’s star-studded lineup includes:
Defense Team:
Attorneys:
1. John Panos
2. Alyssa Befumo
3. Max Robins
Witnesses:
1. Claudia Villatoro as Carson Connors
2. Riley Tucker and Rory Boccelli as Dr. Avery Johnson
3. Lena Annunziata as Billie Jo Stapleton
Prosecution Team:
Attorneys:
1. Lia Shecter
2. Alyssa Befumo
3. Max Robins
Witnesses:
1. Melissa Lopez as Lauren Smith
2. Isabella Floro as Dr. Sidney Crosby
3. Joseph Mead and Ana Diaz as Officer Bobbie Jones
Participating Suffolk mock trial teams have a schedule of four regular season matches before entering the county tournament. Teams across New York follow a similar path along the way to determining a state champion. The New York State Bar Assn. Foundation believes the mock trial program “teaches students ethics, civility and professionalism; furthers students’ understanding of the law, court procedures and the legal system; improves proficiency in basic life skills, such as listening, speaking, reading and reasoning; promotes better communication and cooperation among the school community, teachers and students and members of the legal profession, and; heightens appreciation for academic studies and stimulate interest in law-related careers.”
Students learn about the rule of law; rules of evidence; proper courtroom decorum; legal terminology and civic responsibility and attitude. Participation “fosters” respect for the law and the legal system and an ability to view an issue from differing viewpoints.
