New Paltz Mock Trial Team Returns to State Finals for Second Year
5.15.2025
The New Paltz High School Mock Trial team is representing Region IV again at the New York State Bar Association’s Mock Trial state tournament and is determined to show that last year’s success was no fluke.
“Last year we were kind of just really excited that we were able to go to states and have that opportunity,” says veteran team member Isabel Loyer. “This year we’re not just happy to be there, we are ready to win.”
Returning team member Josh Quinn was unsure how the team would fare this season after five classmates graduated last year.
“We brought on five new people onto the team this year, and they’ve all been fantastic,” he said. “It’s been really helpful getting new ideas because it’s helped us to innovate and really look at the case in a new way.”
New Paltz beat out perennial powerhouse teams from the Mount Academy and Westchester to secure the Region IV title. Quinn says the high caliber of teams in the Hudson Valley pushes New Paltz to be its best.
“What’s really great about having the Mount at the county level is that the Mount is just a fantastic team, and I think it’s great that we have that sort of rivalry. It really pushes us to be the best that we really can be,” he said. “At regionals, we faced off against Westchester, which pushed us to be even better as we move on to the state championship.”
Faculty adviser Albert Cook praises the team for its collaboration, flexibility and resolve to persevere under pressure.
“We do feel the pressure, but they don’t wilt under that pressure. The team is highly adaptable. We’ve had to switch people and give them new roles, which they embraced with an amazing attitude,” Cook said.
The statewide Mock Trial program and tournament is sponsored by the New York State Bar Association and funded in part by a grant from The New York Bar Foundation. It brings thousands of high school students together each year to learn about the law, practice public speaking and develop life skills. The state tournament with eight regional teams takes place in Albany each May.
