H-ton Mock Trial Battles for Suffolk Crown

The Huntington High School mock trial team will vie for its third consecutive Suffolk championship on Wednesday afternoon when the Blue Devils square off against highly regarded Ward Melville.

Huntington advanced to the county finals by toppling talented Commack, which was making its first ever appearance in the Suffolk Final Four. The Blue Devils had their hands full throughout the matchup, which required a near perfect performance to claim victory.

The impressive Huntington team is led by volunteer legal advisor Xavier Palacios and faculty advisors Suzi Biagi and Bryan Outsen.

Against Commack, Huntington showcased all three of its mock trial club executive officers in Nina Fascilla joining Lizzy James and Isabella Careccia-Johnson as the trio assumed attorney roles on the defense side of the case for the first time this year.

“In true Blue Devil fashion, Lizzy [James] captivated the courtroom with her opening statement demonstrating a balance of imagery and legality throughout her five minute presentation,” Mr. Outsen said. “Nina [Fascilla] proved to be an important addition as she was able to successfully impeach the opposing witness during cross examination, after performing an excellent direct examination. Finally, Isabella [Careccia-Johnson] ultimately proved to be the deciding factor with her stellar closing statement that highlighted all the holes in the prosecution’s case, showing that they indeed did not meet their burden of proof in the trial.”

Huntington witnesses Julia Goodwin, Lindsay Depeine, and Eli Levi turned in a notable effort against a relentless Commack attorney team that showcased what Judge John Leo described as “the best attorney he has ever seen in nine years of judging.”

“All three of our witnesses did just enough in their roles to provide valid testimony, without conceding vital information to the other side,” Mr. Outsen said.

Judge Leo’s verdict was for Huntington by a single point, sending the Blue Devils to the county championship match for the third straight year.

Huntington and Ward Melville will do battle at the Suffolk County Bar Association in Hauppauge.