Homeschool Consortium Beats Out Region III Mainstays for Mock Trial Title
5.11.2026
The Hudson Valley Homeschool Consortium is headed to the New York State Bar Association’s Mock Trial State Tournament for the first time in the group’s history, beating out previous state champions Augustine Classical and previous regional winners Albany Academy and Scotia-Glenville high school to win the Region III title.
“I think we are really blessed to have this opportunity. This is history for the Hudson Valley Consortium since we’ve never made it this far, and I think we’re all very honored that we get to go on and advance to the state finals,” said Gwyneth Williams. “Especially as a Christian homeschool team, it’s such an honor to represent our values up to the state level.”
The homeschoolers from across the Capital Region meet twice a week for classes, enrichment and activities like mock trial. Even with a non-traditional school model, the teammates say their bond is as close as you would find on other teams.
“The camaraderie is amazing,” said Paul Kitchen. “As a team, we are able to develop close friendships with the others, which will probably last throughout the rest of our lives.”
“I do mock trial because I really like being a part of a team,” said teammate Isla Warner. “I really like how everyone encourages each other and lifts each other up. We help each other practice and getting this far as a team has been an amazing experience.”
Renee Capuano, long-time mock trial coach and the mother of 7, says the team benefits from a long legacy of siblings learning from each other year after year.
“I am blessed and honored to work with these high-quality students. They come from a variety of backgrounds and nearly every student is a legacy,” she said. “Families really value what mock trial brings to their children’s education. The skills they have learned through the New York State Bar Association’s mock trial program transfer across all fields.”
The NYSBA Mock Trial program celebrates its 44th 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.
