Huntington Captures Suffolk Mock Trial Championship

The Huntington High School mock trial team captured the Suffolk championship on Wednesday afternoon, topping powerful Northport in a trial that played out before a packed courtroom at the Suffolk County Bar Association in Hauppauge.

The victory marked the Blue Devils’ second consecutive county mock trial championship. Huntington did it with many new faces in the starting lineup of attorneys and witnesses.

Blue Devil legal advisor Xavier Palacios and faculty advisors Suzi Biagi and Brian Outsen have worked tirelessly to whip the squad into fighting shape and the teenagers responded by embracing their roles, digesting, analyzing and memorizing vast amount of legal doctrine and courtroom strategies along with case material.

Huntington now advances to the state finals in Albany later this spring. The Blue Devils celebrated the county title during a Wednesday night dinner at Restaurant Prime in Halesite.

Huntington is completely undefeated and the Blue Devils plan to work hard and keep their streak going.

“I’m so proud of everyone,” Elizabeth James said. “It was surreal to be back in the witness chair for the first time this season after a long run of being on the attorney bench. Nonetheless I’m thrilled for states! I’m so thankful for the greatest coaches and teammates out there pushing me to constantly do my best. Mock trial is truly something I’m proud to be a part of and every minute of practice is worth these wins.”

Lead attorney Angie Hernandez-Ramos took the Blue Devils into battle and her skilled teammates confidently executed their own parts flawlessly. After a close fight during the opening segment of the trial, Huntington started pulling away on the strength of its well-prepared attorneys and witnesses and grasp of the law.

“This season definitely exceeded my expectations and couldn’t have gone better,” Nina Fascilla said. “Going into the county competition was stressful to say the least, but our endless hours of preparation did not go to waste. Out of all the teams and activities I am a part of, I can confidently say that mock trial is what I’m proudest to be a part of. I am so grateful for my teammates and especially the coaches for never failing to support each other and pushing us to be our best. Being an attorney this year was one of my most fulfilling and useful experiences. I can’t wait to go to states in Albany this spring!”

The Huntington team members have devoted an enormous amount of time to perfecting their roles. The Blue Devils have all bought into the concept of “team,” fully understanding that no one team member is more important than the next. Everyone needs to be on top of their game to beat an opponent like Northport and the teams that will make it to the state finals.

Suffolk Judge Eric Sachs presided over the county championship match and he took time to both console and congratulate Northport on an excellent performance. Although the Tigers aren’t moving on to the state championship tournament, they clearly staked out a claim as one of the best courtroom teams in New York.

When Judge Sachs announced his decision for Huntington, the Blue Devils were delighted in every possible way.

“This season was truly unforgettable, in every sense,” Isabella Careccia-Johnson said. “I was surrounded by the best teammates and coaches, all of whom pushed me to be a better attorney and competitor. It was so exhilarating to be back at the county finals for the second year in a row. I am incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished.”