Mock Trial Team: A Fresh Approach for a Fresh Case

By Hannah Olawaiye

The QVHS Mock Trial team has been preparing for the new season’s case. The team officially kicked off the year with their first meeting on Sept. 16 under the careful direction of teacher sponsors Mr. Marc Duchin and Mr. Jason Marko. The team includes Captains Ainsley Anderson, Ana-Luiza Bacchi, Annalise Happe and Lauren Happe. Under new leadership, this year is being run differently. Normally, the Mock Trial team would start off the year with practice trials, but this year’s captains are providing more direct instruction to prepare students for the official case. “This year’s plan is to do workshops to target each skill in Mock Trial instead of just a practice case,” Bacchi said. “We feel like new members will learn better with this more guided approach.”

While the QV team had a successful year last year, members are still looking to improve. “We’re really excited for the Mock Trial this year coming off a very successful year where we were second in the county,” said Lauren Happe. “We’re looking forward to working on our case for the Pitt Tournament. Right now, we are doing workshops and are working hard to advance even further than last year.”

Anderson reflects on her time in Mock Trial with gratitude. "I've been so lucky to be involved with such a fun club for all four years of high school. Every year, we work together and collaborate to develop a full trial based on a mock case, where we compete against other schools at tournaments and scrimmages,” Anderson said. “Pitt is the earliest Mock Trial scrimmage, but we are currently working on attending other regional Mock Trial events. This year, I hope to see our team succeed, not only in the courtroom, but also in being able to create a positive Mock Trial environment at Quaker Valley that is fun, exciting, and rewarding.”

While the team is still preparing for their case, captains are starting to think about how to help the club prosper in the future. “For next year’s members, do everything you do with confidence.” Bacchi’s primary advice for future members is to take advantage of each team member’s strengths. “Have empathy for your other members and push people to do their best,” Bacchi said. “Mock Trial is hard and an activity that takes a lot of learning, so be the reason someone wants to learn.” Anderson emphasized the need for collaboration. “Help others, and let people help you. You learn so much when you collaborate with different people on the team, and presenting to others gives you more confidence,” Anderson said. It is with this collaborative spirit that the QV Mock Trial team continues to prosper, aiming for a successful season this spring.