The best boxers in the world have nothing on the Huntington High School mock trial team, which can bob and weave with the best of them and deliver a knockout blow when it’s needed. The Blue Devil courtroom wizards topped 13 time county champion Bay Shore, one of the top teams on Long Island and in the state.
Huntington’s stars included attorney Christopher Maichin, Emily Geller and Angie Hernandez-Ramos and witnesses Sophie Laserson and freshmen Nina Fascilla and Isabella Careccia-Johnson.
“Going into this trial, we knew that it wouldn’t be easy,” Mr. Maichin said. “Bay Shore is 13 time county champions and historically a very strong and talented team and they still are. But we didn’t let that rattle us. We came out of the gate flying and kept our poise under pressure despite their extremely talented attorneys and witnesses. Our witnesses told their stories perfectly and proved their talent and expertise on the stand. Our attorneys delivered our directs, cross examinations, opening statements and closing arguments masterfully. Emily Geller wrapped it up with her stinging and powerful closing, giving us the advantage. We did this all despite it being our first time back in the courtroom in person since our 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID. I am so proud of this entire team and can’t wait for the rest of our season!”
The Huntington team members have been “burning the midnight oil” with their legal advisors-coaches, Xavier Palacios and John LoTurco, preparing for what they knew would be a battle for the ages.
“I am so beyond proud of my team and what we were able to accomplish tonight,” Ms. Geller said. “It was our first competition back in person so we weren’t sure what to expect. But everyone was so naturally comfortable in their roles and maintained their poise throughout. Chris, Angie and I worked so well as a team of attorneys and we all helped each other out. The witnesses surpassed my expectations and I am so proud of each and every one of them. We are now going strong with a 2-0 record. Way to go Blue Devils!”
Huntington defeated Southampton in the first legal battle of the season. Matches with Brentwood and Babylon are still ahead on the docket.
“The team did astonishingly well at tonight’s competition, and we won,” Ms. Fascilla said. “We’ve been rigorously preparing and practicing over the last few months so it felt so good to see our hard work pay off. The coaches and seniors on the team have been very hospitable and do a fantastic job at helping those of us who are less experienced, like myself. I would not be able to do it without them. The team and I are just so enthused about how tonight’s competition went and I feel so fortunate to be a part of such a great group. We’re going to continue practicing for our upcoming competitions and advance as far as possible.”
Huntington business teachers Suzie Biagi and Gregory Dieterich are the team’s faculty advisors. Everyone in the organization has a role to play with the team.
“The mock trial experience against Bay Shore was extraordinary,” Ms. Hernandez-Ramos said. “While there was trepidation at the fact that it was in person, the match turned out to be absolutely incredible. The whole team was well grounded and they adapted well to anything thrown at them. It was a great exhibition of all the skills we had learned.”
Weekly matches will continue through March 2. The top 16 teams will vie in weekly playoff rounds. The county championship is scheduled for March 30. The state finals will be held in Albany May 22-24.
As the Blue Devils headed home from the School Heritage Museum courtroom at Huntington High School they savored their victory.
“The competition went exceptionally well,” Ms. Genao said. “All attorneys were absolutely great and gave a great performance. It was especially great to have an in person competition after everything going on and it was great to be back in the courtroom all together. We took the win today which makes us 2-0, on the right track to a undefeated season and championship. Next week we take on Brentwood.”