The verdict is in: OHS Mock Trial team are winners

After going undefeated in three preliminary rounds, the Ossining High School Mock Trial team proved victorious once again winning the county competition. They will next compete at the regional finals, a feat the team has not achieved in 35 years.

“We are very proud of their accomplishments and excited for what is yet to come,” said team co-advisor Gregg Ninos.

The trial this year was a criminal case involving securities fraud. Since December the 12-member team has been preparing both the defense and prosecution sides of the case along with witnesses. During competition an individual could be selected to represent any side of the case or given any role in the proceedings. They are assisted by long time team coach and attorney Evan Janush, the father of a current team member.

Team Co-advisor Katherine Mannarino said in the 19 years she has been working with the team, she has not seen a group of students work so well together, one of the many things she attributes to their success.

“Their ability to first understand the law and their ability to work as a team, their listening skills are above anything I’ve seen,” she said.

Traditionally competitions have been held at the Westchester County Courthouse, but recently they’ve been virtual due to COVID-19, one more thing that the team has had to navigate.

“What I feel my team does well is change quickly,” said senior Jessica Sabau. “It’s something I feel a lot of teams could not do.”

“We have an innate ability to edit during the competition,” senior Haley Janush said. “You can only plan so much.”

Senior Agya Fordjour said one of the things he learned early on was the importance of getting to know the judge.

“Every judge is different. If you can pick up on the judge’s ways it helps,” he said.

It also helps to know the attorneys. Senior Isabella Montero said one of the lawyers tried to trick her up during her testimony by asking her the same questions another lawyer had. She immediately caught on to what was happening. It was a testament to those advanced listening skills.

Although not all team members plan to pursue a career in law, many agreed their participation on the team has given them invaluable life skills. Several said they have more confidence in general and they have honed their public speaking and writing skills.

The team awaits word for when the next round of competition, the regional finals, will take place.

Although winning has been wonderful, Mr. Ninos said, the team itself is the most special thing about this year.

“Probably best of all is seeing the friendships, bonds, and support that the students have made,” he said. “They are a part of something special and will go down in history as one of the best teams to come from Ossining High School, and that is truly remarkable.”