Huntington High School’s mock trial team thought they had turned in one of the program’s best performances ever in the Suffolk Sweet 16 round at the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip. The Blue Devils were simply outstanding, but when the judge issued his verdict, it was Northport who claimed victory and moved on the round of eight.
Huntington’s courtroom wizards were left dazed, yet had no choice but to accept the verdict and look ahead to the future. Now that these remarkable teenagers have put some space between themselves and what they themselves have called a “huge disappointment,” they see the potential for some great days ahead.
“Although we were defeated in a hotly contested match against our cross-town rivals Northport, the courtroom battle demonstrated the boundless promise this team has for next year and the years to come,” said John H. LoTurco, who along with Xavier Palacios and Joseph Bavaro, form the Blue Devils’ corps of volunteer legal advisors. The trio has spent hundreds of hours whipping the team into shape.
“In particular, our freshman attorney Erin Ye delivered a remarkably poised, persuasive and powerful opening statement without notes that showed that she is going to be a force in the mock trial arena for the Blue Devils for hopefully the next several years,” Mr. LoTurco said. “In fact, Erin’s cross-examination, objections and interactions with the judge establish her as a confident and articulate advocate well-beyond her 14 years of age.”
Junior Lena Annunziata was a standout attorney advocate. Against Northport, she delivered a dramatic 10 minute closing argument with zealousness and vigor without the benefit of any notes.
Junior Joe Mead showed resiliency by deflecting numerous objections from his Northport adversary and interruptions by a stern judge. Huntington’s three freshmen witnesses, Jillian LoTurco, Emily Geller and Tallulah Pitti all continued on the path of mock trial maturity with “significant enhancement of their public speaking demeanor and confidence with another outstanding performance on both direct and cross-examinations,” Mr. LoTurco said.
All of Huntington’s returning team members are eagerly looking forward to next year’s competition, including junior attorney John Panos. “I’m so proud of our new members,” he said. “They’ve put in more work than almost anyone I’ve ever seen before and they were a huge part of our success. Although this year was rough, I know that next year will be much better.”
The courtroom gladiators are always looking for new members to join the team. Coming aboard is easy to do. Interested students can seek out Huntington High School teachers Sarah Buchalter (sbuchalter@hufsd.edu) or Suzette Biagi (sbiagi@hufsd.edu) during the school day or send them a message. The pair serve as the team’s faculty advisors.
“As one of the trial team advisors, I can state that this team has unlimited potential and that although I felt that we were on the path of another county championship this year, I am confident that there will be other county championships in the near future,” Mr. LoTurco said. “It is my hope that the entire freshman class returns next year, even if they did not have a role on this year’s team, as they will have an opportunity to participate next year. We have an exceptionally talented group of individuals and it was a pleasure to work with students who are willing to put in the time necessary to advance their educational skill sets to become confident public speakers and debaters in a courtroom setting.”
An awards night and dinner is on the horizon this spring. It will recap the season and recognize the team members who have helped make Huntington’s mock trial team one of the state’s best.
“I look forward to the future, as it is bright and very promising,” Mr. LoTurco said.