Massapequa High School Returns to State Mock Trial Tournament Supported by an Army of Alumni

The Massapequa High School Mock Trial team is competing in the New York State Bar Association’s Mock Trial state tournament for the first time since 2022. That year they competed virtually and this year’s team is excited to travel to Albany to meet the other regional winning teams in person. Massapequa beat out more than 50 other schools in Nassau County to win the regional title.

“In our last trial, we went against Wheatley, and they were incredible,” said senior co-captain Allison Hassell. “It was such an amazing trial. It was very close, but we’re very happy to say that we’re going to states.”

The team is led by longtime coach and AP government and law teacher Dan Bachman, who calls Mock Trial “performance social studies.” He says the caliber of teams in the county is unmatched and is grateful for the rigorous competition.

“The only reason why these guys advanced as far as they did was every single team in Nassau County gave 110% this year,” he said.

Bachman credits the success of his program to a deep level of support from his alumni in college and in the community. Many return to help coach the team in the summer and on school breaks. One of the team’s most notable supporters is Daniel Pearl, the mayor of Massapequa Park, who allows the team to practice in the village courtroom on weekends.

The team will practice one last time before the state tournament in the federal courthouse in Central Islip with family and friends in the gallery. Many of the students thank Bachman and its attorney coach Brian Faraczek for helping them build confidence and learn new skills.

“Mr. Faraczek has dedicated more hours to this case than anyone else. He has been with us through thick and thin,” said senior co-captain Brooke Applegate. “We joke around a lot but he is really helpful and is as passionate about doing well as we are. Without him we would not have made it this far.”

When asked why he is still coaching mock trial after 26 years, Bachman does not hesitate to praise his team.

“This has been the most fun group I have ever had a chance to work with. They are a wonderful group of kids.”