Massapequa Mock Trial Heads to Harvard

For the second consecutive year, the Massapequa High School Mock Trial Team was invited to hone its skills at Harvard University’s High School Training Seminar. The seminar offers a range of basic and advanced classes that better position teams to win state and national competitions.

Because of the extensive program offered at Massapequa High School, participants Katie M., Olivia G., Taylor D., Miranda M., Kait P., Danielle B., Juliet R., Selin S., Emily O., Caroline G., Jillian P., Nicolle D., Nicole F., Laine T., Tim B., Ethan S., Keyvan K., Evan R. and Kevin H. were placed in the advanced classes. They soaked up all they could on public speaking, body language, trial advocacy and the Federal Rules of Evidence. They received individual attention in breakout sessions to improve their personal strengths and weaknesses, as well as guidance from Princeton Review in applying to colleges. The teams then performed against each other using the skills they learned through the Harvard Method.

“The students worked from first thing in the morning until they went to bed,” said Dan Bachman, the team’s advisor. They demonstrated an intellectual level of perseverance that was astonishing to watch. The team will undoubtedly operate on a higher level this year, giving them a major advantage in the upcoming competitions.”

Massapequa was the only Long Island team at the seminar. Others hailed from states throughout the country, such as Illinois, New Jersey and Texas.

The team first learned about the opportunity from Lauren Reisig, a 2012 Massapequa graduate and former Mock Trial Team member who is currently a junior at the university. Massapequa’s Mock Trial Team won the county championship in her senior year.

Students fundraised and worked together to make the trip a reality. Bachman said he was also grateful for the district’s help in allowing the team to realize this goal.

Courtesy Massapequa Schools

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