Ossining High School wins Region IV Mock Trial Competition
5.13.2022
Ossining High School topped dozens of other Hudson Valley teams to win Region IV of the New York State Bar Association’s Mock Trial competition.
The Ossining team faced the Mount Academy team from Ulster County in the regionals last month. Judges score teams on several factors including professionalism in their presentation of a hypothetical case.
The Ossining seniors say they used the virtual platform to their advantage.
“I relied heavily on myself and it brought me a major sense of confidence,” said Haley Janush. “I could speak up and object and I was prepared to do it on my own.”
Ossining teacher coach Katie Mannarino agrees.
“I have coached every team since 2004, and this team is more independent than any other team I have seen because they can’t rely on each other in the courtroom,” she said.
The flexibility inherent in an all-virtual team also allowed more students to join. Ossining teacher coach Gregg Ninos says some students were able to participate at home while tending to after school obligations like caring for younger siblings.
The students prepare to try the case for both the prosecution and the defense. Team members take on roles as the attorneys, witnesses, legal researchers and writers. The local competitions are judged by attorneys and judges at the county level.
The attorney mentor for Ossining gives his team high praise for its work ethic, listening skills and ability to adapt to change during a trial.
“This year mock trial is the sport of these team members. This is what they have committed to doing. The level of seriousness and the degree of care that is exemplified by these students is remarkable,” says Evan M Janush of the Lanier Law firm.
“They are better than some lawyers that have been practicing alongside me. They are students who I would be honored to work alongside in the legal world,” he said.
Coach Gregg Minos says the team is the pride of the Ossining community. “We are all just super proud of the job they are doing, not just as coaches and advisers. The whole school got behind them.”
NYSBA produced team video
Ossining High School – Region IV Winners – 2022 NY State Mock Trial Tournament Semi Finalists from New York State Bar Association on Vimeo.
County winners then compete in one of eight regions across New York State. Each regional winner moves onto the semifinal round. May 23 The top two teams in the semifinals face off in the final round May 24 to determine a New York State Mock Trial champion.
The NYSBA Mock Trial program celebrates its 40th year of competition this year. There are 400 teams involving 4,000 high school students in the competition.
The program is sponsored by the New York State Bar Association’s Law, Youth and Citizenship Committee. The New York Bar Foundation provides some of the funding.
Related Stories
Albany Academy for Girls Mock Trial Team Beats Homeschoolers to Win Region III Title
High School of American Studies at Lehman College Wins Region VI Mock Trial Competition
Massapequa High School Wins Region VII Mock Trial Competition
Huntington High School Wins Region VIII of the New York State Bar Association Mock Trial Competition
