Mock Trial team wraps up great season!

Members of the Mock Trial team and their advisers pose in front of U.S. District Court sign

The Albany High School Speech and Debate/Mock Trial Team advanced to the semifinals of the Regional Mock Trial competition on Saturday, defeating Emma Willard School in the preliminary round but falling to Scotia-Glenville High School by one point in the semis.

The team, advised by teacher Leah Evans, played the prosecution in the first round against Emma Willard and defense in second round against Scotia-Glenville. The event was coordinated by the New York State Bar Association and held in the James T. Foley federal courthouse in downtown Albany.

In Mock Trial, teams of high school students are assigned to either the prosecution/plaintiff or defense side of a case. The trials take place in a courtroom and participants are bound by the same rules as professional attorneys.

Members of the Albany High team include:

Kalyn Capezza • Arianna Costello • Hailey Farrell • Razi Gomez Fisher • Ariana Hernandez • Abigail Hulett • Jillian Katz • Htoo Myat Kyaw • Adison Miller • Katie Myers • Ryan O’Connor • Ava Shahinfar • Sienna Stewart • Anna Ustin • Harriet Westin

The team is assisted by two attorneys who act as mentors to the group: Carolyn George and Judge Josh Farrell.

Congratulations to all on a fantastic year in court! The Falcons finished in first place in the Albany County Mock Trial competition in March.