SV’s High School Mock Trial Team raises the bar

The final verdict? Seneca Valley’s High School Mock Trial went undefeated in the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral Classic, a mock trial competition featuring 49 teams from across the state. At the conclusion of the event, only three teams went undefeated, including Seneca Valley, winning all four of their trials and ultimately earning them a third-place finish in the annual tournament.

Additionally, Kacy Christensen, a junior, won the Best Attorney Award out of nearly 150 student-attorneys who competed.

“In the past few months, our mock trial team has spent countless hours preparing for this competition,” said Miss Christensen. “I loved seeing how we all came together to support each other and how we pushed each other to become better. The trials were an amazing experience for us to form a closer bond and celebrate all of our hard work. I am so proud of all of my team and I can speak for all of us that we are so thankful for the support of Ms. Nassan. We are excited to work even harder for our upcoming competitions!”

The SV Mock Trial Team comprises of students in grades 9-12 in the gifted program and is advised by Ms. Brieana Nassan, intermediate high school gifted support teacher.

Members of the SV Mock Trial Team include Leo Slacker, Calleigh Foulkrod, Jacob Hensley, Julia Acker, Sydney Kratsas Kacy Christensen, Grant Hoover, Nick Porter, Sonya Dietz, Benjamin Carnino, Friyana Sepai, Lilly Hudac, Julia Gibilisco Katie Mack and Morgan Dunn.

“Although we are considered a mock trial team, it honestly feels more like a family. I’m so proud of everyone and the time they give up, including Ms. Nassan, but this is only the beginning. We are back to work preparing for the State Regionals at Butler, and I wouldn’t rather it be with any other group,” said senior, Grant Hoover.