Schools
Massapequa Mock Trial Teams Impress
Members of Massapequa High School's Mock Trial team recently participated in competitions against schools from other states and countries.
MASSAPEQUA, NY - From Massapequa Public Schools: Massapequa High School’s Mock Trial teams recently took part in competitions that gave students practical experience in the law field.
The “A” team, led by social studies teacher Daniel Bachman, attended the Harvard Mock Trial High School Seminar Program. Students received information on a case, and then had two days to prepare. Massapequa’s team defeated a team from Georgia in arguments.
The students went on to the Mentor Moot Court Tournament, which featured a mock Supreme Court argument. Massapequa advanced to the semifinals. The team is now preparing for the Nassau County Bar Association’s mock trial competition which will be held in February at the county courthouse and features a single-elimination-style format. The team has been competing in this event for decades and won the county championship in 2012.
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The “B” team, under the leadership of social studies teacher John Pardue, went to Times Square for the five-day Empire Mock Trial, an event hosted by the American Bar Association that featured 36 teams from several countries. Arguments took place at the Southern District Courthouse with experienced judges and lawyers
evaluating each team’s performance.
Junior Antoinette Corigliano, one of the captains of the “B” team, who played the role of lead defense attorney, won an Outstanding Attorney Award. She ranked sixth overall out of more than 240 students who qualified. She said being a member of Mock Trial helps build her confidence and improve her public speaking abilities.
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Many of Massapequa’s Mock Trial students are enrolled in the high school’s Introduction to Law courses offered through the social studies department. Practices are held in the law classroom which is designed to resemble a courtroom. They also receive support from practicing attorneys including Kyle Scheido and
Helene Weiss from the Nassau County District Attorney’s office and Massapequa High School alumni Alex Sylvan and Katie Smits.
Senior Kayla Collins, a member of the team that went to Harvard, said Mock Trial challenges her intellectually. Samantha Cupolo, who wants to be an attorney, said participating in the competitions gives her a perspective of law beyond what she has seen on television and in the movies.
Photo courtesy of Massapequa School District
