H-ton Mock Trial Team Reaches Suffolk Final Four

The Huntington High School mock trial team was in unfamiliar territory last week for its Elite 8 matchup against Newfield High School, as the two powerhouses had never before faced off. The pairing required tough roster decisions for the Blue Devils, who sent its top performers into battle in what was the hardest trial of the season.

The talented Blue Devil roster is guided by volunteer legal advisor Xavier Palacios and faculty advisors Suzi Biagi and Bryan Outsen. Huntington Superintendent Christian Bowen was among the courtroom spectators attending the match in Central Islip.

Junior Natalie Parrott kicked off the showdown with an especially strong opening statement that accurately detailed what the judge would soon be seeing during the trial.

“Our witness team was led by junior Lizzy James who perfectly portrayed an arson investigator during direct and gracefully handled an intense cross examination,” Mr. Outsen said.

Freshman Alex Bockeman made her playoff debut and showcased poise facing off against one of the best attorneys the Blue Devils have seen in recent years. Junior Vincenza Garofalo rounded out Huntington’s stellar witness performances, displaying photographic knowledge of her affidavit while charming the judge and audience. All witnesses received a perfect score from Judge Raymond Perini.

Junior Isabella Careccia-Johnson made her debut on the plaintiff side as an attorney after a roster adjustment and her experience and expertise shined. “Being able to perform at that level on both sides of the case is why she is a true leader on this team,” Mr. Outsen said.

Finally, junior Nina Fascilla was arguably the deciding factor as she delivered a flawless closing statement demonstrating legal knowledge, passion and civility throughout her nine minute delivery.

In a see-saw match with most of the crowd unsure of the outcome, Huntington edged Newfield by three points to move on to the Suffolk Final Four round. The Blue Devils will square off against Commack at the County Court Complex in Central Islip.

Huntington is vying to reach the county championship match for the third consecutive year.