Blue Devil Courtroom Team Notches First Perfect Score

The Huntington High School mock trial team improved its record to a perfect 3-0 after notching the program’s first ever perfect score of 65 in its latest trial at Southampton.

Huntington is now ranked No. 3 in Suffolk. The 65-54 victory over Southampton proved to be historic. It’s the first time the Blue Devils have ever tallied a perfect match score in competition.

“In the world of mock trial, perfection is often strived for, but never achieved,” said Bryan Outsen, who along with fellow business teacher Suzi Biagi is the team’s faculty advisor. Attorney Xavier Palacios, a Huntington High School alum, serves as the Blue Devils’ legal advisor.

“Well, at Southampton, our Blue Devils lived by the old adage ‘never say never’ as they received their first ever perfect score,” Mr. Outsen said.

Not even a 90 minute bus ride could stop Huntington on this afternoon. Nerves were noticeable as the Blue Devils sat in a band room waiting for the judge to arrive, but once the trial started, everyone in the audience knew they were about to witness something truly special.

Huntington’s plaintiff witnesses shined, showcasing visible improvements since their first match of the season. Sophomore Will Fallon came out the gate strong, perfectly portraying a calm, cool and collected Remington Stone, even during a tough interrogation from Southampton’s lead attorney. (Remington Stone is a figure in this year’s statewide case.)

In her first start of the year, sophomore Lindsay Depeine was ferocious, controlling the pacing of her cross examination and dominating the opposing attorney. Junior Hillel Linker once again showcased his technical prowess as the expert witness for the plaintiff, displaying perfect responses under direct examination.

Huntington’s all-star attorney bench had their toughest match of the season to date dealing with a Southampton’s team of witnesses. Sophomore attorney Nina Fascilla showcased some of the best grounds and bases for objections that have been seen this year while remaining composed.

Sophomore Isabella Careccia-Johnson not only partnered on a flawless direct examination with Ms. Depeine, but also showcased Huntington’s first impeachment of the season as she was able to stifle a combative character witness and discredit her from the get go.

Finally, Angie Hernandez-Ramos’ senior experience was obvious as she utilized everything in her repertoire to control and also impeach her witness. “She exhibited poise, while still managing to properly ask for witness cooperation through the judge and was even awarded extra time on her cross examination.” Ms. Biagi said.

Ms. Hernandez-Ramos sealed the deal with her closing argument, which left many jaws on the floor with her ability to memorize an entire eight minute explanation of the plaintiff’s case.

Huntington is ranked No. 3 in the latest mock trial standings with only No. 1 Harborfields and No. 2 Stony Brook above the Blue Devils. There are 30 high schools competing this winter.

Huntington is 3-0 heading into the final match of the regular season. County playoffs begin on March 8.