Huntington High School’s mock trial team is flying high after winning its second consecutive courtroom battle.
The Huntington legal wizards toppled highly regarded William Floyd earlier this week. The Blue Devils defeated St. Anthony’s in the first match of the season.
This week’s contest proved to be extremely challenging as powerhouse William Floyd was exceptionally prepared for the intellectual courtroom combat.
Huntington team members have been spending long hours studying this year’s case and working with legal advisors Xavier Palacios and Jack Piana. Both are Huntington alums and practicing attorneys and they are volunteering their time to assist the teenagers.
The Blue Devils have a very talented team, but so does almost every school they are competing against. William Floyd certainly fielded a star-studded lineup earlier this week, so Huntington had to be at its best to win and it was.
Newcomer attorney Lia Shechter set the tone right from the start with a strong opening statement and seniors Max Robins and Alyssa Befumo continued the momentum throughout the competition.
Huntington will face tough Miller Place in the third match of the season on Wednesday, February 28. The Blue Devils were knocked out of last year’s playoff round by Miller Place, which has traditionally boasted a strong courtroom program.
The Huntington team is training with the best. Mr. Palacios holds an undergraduate degree from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor from the Boston University School of Law. Mr. Piana obtained an undergraduate degree at Rider University before earning a Juris Doctor of the Hofstra University School of Law.
Huntington social studies teacher Sarah Buchalter is serving as the team’s faculty advisor. She earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at Stony Brook University in political science and teaching social studies.
The Blue Devils’ courtroom squad will now engage in two weeks of intensive preparation in the run-up to the Miller Place battle, which will be fought within the friendly confines of Huntington High School.