Hoboken High School Wins 3rd Mock Trial Championship In 4 Years

HOBOKEN, NJ — The Hoboken High School Mock Trial Team were crowned this year’s 2023 Hudson County Mock Trial County Champions this month after defeating the Hudson School in the Hudson County Mock Trial Finals.

Hoboken High had also won the Hudson County Mock Trial Championship in 2020 and 2022.

The competition, which is sponsored by the Hudson County Bar Association and Hudson County Bar Foundation, aims to promote better understanding of the law, court procedures, and the justice system.

During the tournament, teams are given a fictional civil or criminal case to argue in a trial court setting and asked to use the skills, knowledge and strategies that an actual lawyer would utilize in a real-life trial. It also helps students develop skills in critical thinking, public speaking, role-playing, communication and teamwork.

Robin Piccapietra, Hoboken High School principal, said, “I am beyond proud of the debate team and the hard work and grit they demonstrate as they head into each competition. Under the leadership of Mr. D'Bernado and Mr. Huggins, they have grown and become such a cohesive group of young leaders. Their work together is impressive and they take the lead as Mr. D'Bernardo and Mr. Huggins provide feedback that they utilize and incorporate to become the premier team they are.”

The Redwings Mock Trial Team defeated Innovation High School and Bayonne High School in the preliminary round, Mcnair Academic High School in the Quarter Finals, and finally The Hudson School in the championship to win the 2023 Hudson County Championship.

Paul Huggins, Hoboken HS Mock Trial Team Advisor said, “The students worked really hard and the competition was tough. We are so proud of their accomplishments. We look forward to watching them shine at Regionals.”

The Mock Trial Team was highlighted by outstanding performances from attorneys Frannie Michaels, Daniel Weintraub, Genevieve Fink, Coby Kriegel and Tasha Fu with witnesses Mable Bliske Villavicencio, Kendall McDonough, Zoe Magaletta, Juliet Hysen, Amalia Batlle, and Sage Gurtman.

The advisors of the Mock Trial Team are Mr. Paul Huggins and Mr. Steve D’Bernado.

Steve D’Bernado, Hoboken HS Mock Trial Team Advisor said, “For the students of Hoboken High School, participation in the Debate Program can be a transformative experience. The Hudson county Mock Trial debate competition is where we really shine. Congratulations to the Hoboken High School Debate Program for winning this year’s county championship.”

The Hoboken HS Mock Trial Team will now move on to the N.J. State Regional Competition and will face off against the Passaic County Champions on March 1.

The Vincent J. Apruzzese High School Mock Trial Competition was created for
the purpose of stimulating and encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of the American legal system by high school students.

The Hudson County Bar Association's mission is to promote professionalism and camaraderie within the legal community, aid in the administration of justice, provide access to justice to people of all backgrounds, educate members and the public on law and legal issues, and to build bridges and extend outreach to protect the community at large.