The Middle School Mock Trial Team, from left:Jenna Ambroso, Maggie Raymond, Mike Wess, Ryan Theobalt, Greg Butler, Elizabeth Debold, Conor Mercadante, Meghan Grant, Tom Farley, Joe Gunther, Chris Theobalt, Colin Dickinson and Ms. Sarah Cooney. The Garden City Middle School Mock Trial Team recently participated for the second year in the Western Suffolk Boces Mock Trial Competition. Directed by social studies teacher Ms. Sarah Cooney, the Garden City team again presented themselves strongly in the competition.

Each year the team receives a different case to prepare. This year’s case was a criminal case. A fictitious hockey player from one high school was being accused of assaulting the parent of her student “rival” on another high school’s hockey team. She believed that it was an accident and that the parent shouldn’t have involved herself in a scuffle between two students. The parent believed she was protecting her child and was assaulted in the process.

“Objection, Counsel is asking the witness to give an opinion,” stated attorney Elizabeth DeBold as opposing attorney Maggie Raymond adeptly questioned her witness. This thought-provoking and pertinent case required students to write strong arguments for each side, think quickly to formulate questions and responses, and draw on some very solid acting skills as they convincingly portrayed their varied collection of witnesses. The legal world came to life, encompassing so many of the students’ talents.

Witness, Mike Wess, answered questions under the watchful eye of the Honorable Ms. Cooney. Since practices began in January, Ms. Cooney worked tirelessly with students to prepare for all aspects of the event. They were well prepared to face their opponents in their competitions. On April 15, the Defense Team competed against Long Beach and won on points and the Prosecution Team also competed against Long Beach and won legally. A presentation and reception for the parents was held on April 19.

Attorney, Conor Mercadante, conferred with his legal team. The Garden City team consists of nine eighth-graders and three seventh-graders: Jenna Ambroso, Elizabeth Debold, Colin Dickinson, Tom Farley, Meghan Grant, Joe Gunther, Conor Mercadante, Maggie Raymond, Chris Theobalt, Ryan Theobalt, Greg Butler and Mike Wess.

The legal experience continued for these students as they attended a performance of “Twelve Angry Men,” at NYC’s American Airlines Theatre on May 4. They enjoyed the classic work, as well as a special backstage tour following the performance.

Witness, Greg Butler, testified before the court and the Honorable Ms. Cooney.

Chris Theobalt questioned his witness to get a clear picture of the facts. Witness, Meghan Grant, gave a very moving account of the actions of her character Mrs. Jackson, who was just “trying to protect her child due to her strong mother instinct.” Attorney, Colin Dickinson, presented his closing argument based on the evidence presented during the trial. Joe Gunther portrayed witness Sammy Smith, a referee at the hockey game where they alleged assault occurred.