SV Mock Trial Team raises the bar

Seneca Valley’s Mock Trial team earned a fifth-place finish at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral Classic Tournament, competing against 50 teams from across Pennsylvania. Throughout the rigorous competition, students immersed themselves in a complex legal case, developing both prosecution and defense strategies, mastering their assigned roles, and presenting arguments in simulated courtrooms.

In addition to the team’s strong overall performance, senior Calleigh Foulkrod was recognized with a Best Witness award, distinguishing her among hundreds of high school competitors.

The SV Mock Trial Team is comprised of students in grades 9-12 in the gifted program and is advised by Ms. Brieana Nassan, Senior High School gifted support teacher and the team’s attorney advisor, Mr. Philip Sbrolla.

“Our placement at Pitt is especially exciting because it reflects how much this young team has grown together in such a short amount of time,” said Ms. Nassan. “Throughout the competition, they demonstrated a strong understanding of the case as a whole, supported one another in every role, and showed an impressive demonstration of objections and courtroom procedure. Their ability to work collaboratively under pressure speaks to the time, preparation, and commitment they’ve invested, and this result is a well-earned recognition of that effort.”

Members of the SV Mock Trial Team include Jacob Hensler, Julia Gibilisco, Calliegh Foulkrod, Lillian Eaves, Ziva Schmitt, Mariana Silva, Erin Sbrolla, Jonathan Brower, Liam Janouskovec, Seliah Catterall, Josie McMichael, Riya Patel, Breanna Zimmerman, Lauryn Fencik, Juliann Matter, Monique Polas, Jovi Pencek, Graysen Hundertmark and Autumn Holmes.

The Seneca Valley Mock Trial team is preparing for the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Statewide Competition with their District Mock Trial Competition taking place at the Butler County Courthouse in February.