St. Joseph High School’s Mock Trial Triumphs in Comeback Season

This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.

After a six-year hiatus, St. Joseph High School’s Mock Trial Team has made an extraordinary return to the courtroom. On Friday, December 13, 2024, the recently re-established team competed in its first Connecticut Mock Trial Competition and secured victories in both of their trials, earning a spot in the Connecticut State Playoffs set to begin on February 7, 2025.

The case, State v. Harkness, centered on a fictional pizza shop owner accused of hiring a hitman to eliminate a business rival. Students took on the roles of both attorneys and witnesses, presenting the case as both the Defense and the Prosecution in two separate trials.

The Connecticut High School Mock Trial Competitions are an exciting opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the American legal system by participating actively in the legal process. Mock trials help students gain an appreciation for the rule of law, legal issues and courtroom procedure.

SJ’s Defense Team Shines & the Prosecution Team Brings the Heat

The Defense team, led by SJ Seniors, Olivia Szczerba, Vanessa Theagene, and Ellen Romano, delivered a stellar performance setting the tone with a compelling opening statement. The team’s cross-examination revealed inconsistencies in the Prosecution’s witnesses' testimonies, undermining their credibility and exposing bias in their key witness. The SJ’s Defense team’s witnesses, played by Aidan Broer, Katelyn Zeni, and Aria Chiaramonte, delivered believable and sympathetic testimonies, avoiding impeachment and further strengthening the Defense's position.

In their second trial, the SJ Prosecution team, featuring Juniors Rhys Ingram and Jason Wu, as well as Senior Zoë McLean proved equally formidable. Mr. Wu’s powerful opening statement set the stage for a compelling case. The Prosecution Team then led a series of impeachments that dismantled the Defense’s credibility, and in a climactic finish, Jason Wu executed an impeachment by omission in a single minute, a feat that left the courtroom in awe.

“I am so grateful that the Mock Trial experience found its way back to St. Joes,” remarked Senior, Zoe McClean. “It was such a privilege to be able to learn about the way you defend and prosecute a case and this experience only reinforced my desire to become a lawyer in the future.”

Coaches Who Inspire

The Mock Trial Team is led by Attorneys Kyle D. Souza (SJ Alum, Class of 2015) and his wife, Attorney Nicolle M. Lipkin, both graduates of Quinnipiac University School of Law. For Coach Souza, the experience is deeply personal, as it was his time during the Mock Trial Playoffs in 2014-2015 that inspired him to pursue a legal career.

Under their Coach’s Guidance, the team emphasizes mastery of legal principles, credibility, and a commitment to hard work. Their philosophy, which blends rigorous training with an appreciation for the complexity of the law, has clearly resonated with the students, as evidenced by their triumphant return to competition.

“We are so proud of our SJ Cadets - all of whom are first time competitors in the Mock Trial Competition," remarked Coach Attorney Kyle Souza. "Their determination, ambition, willingness to learn, and understanding of legal principles is nothing short of outstanding and we cannot wait to see what they will bring to the trials in February."

Looking Ahead

With the Connecticut State Playoffs on the horizon, the St. Joseph High School Mock Trial Team is poised for even greater achievements. Their journey not only highlights their legal prowess but also underscores the power of perseverance and teamwork. The competition will be held on February 7, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For more information about St. Joseph High School, visit www.sjcadets.org.

This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here.