Area students in 'mock trial'

Students in the enrichment programs at Coudersport, Cameron County and Austin participated in the Mock Trail Competition, recently held in Emporium and Ridgway.

Coudersport came away with the district championship, earning a berth in the regional round this week in Williamsport.

The competition is based on the best presentations through the effective use of notes, eye contact and delivery. Scoring is done by the "jurors," who are actually lawyers. The mock trial competition is sponsored by the Pa. Bar Assn.

After defeating Austin and Port Allegany during the initial rounds at Emporium, Coudersport squared off with Elk County champion Ridgway and prevailed.

In the first trial, Emma Brink was chosen as best advocate and Joe Bartholomew was best witness. For the second trial, Brian Wetzel was best advocate and Sheldon Carpenter was best witness. In the finals against Ridgway, Josh Knauer was best advocate and Batholomew was again chosen as best witness.

Other members of Coudersport's team were Kristy Kamper, Lauren Geiser, Ben Miller, Hope Morris and Melissa Gerner.

Coudersport attorney Andy Watson, who advised the team, praised the work of enrichment teacher Theresa Daniels in preparing the students. He also expressed appreciation to Judge John Leete for presiding over a practice trial in the Potter County courtroom.

Emporium attorney Paul Malizia helped the Cameron County team. Only one of the students, sophomore Garrett Borden, had previous experience.

Cameron County opened with a loss to Port Allegany. Borden, junior Matthew Franceus and freshman Matthew Melott were the attorneys for the prosecution. Freshman Grant Vassallo and sophomore Meredith Caldwell were the witnesses.

Melott was recognized for his powerful closing argument and honored as best advocate. Vassallo was voted best witness for the Cameron County prosecution.

Against Austin, the Cameron County defense team featured Borden, Melott, and Vassallo as the attorneys, and Franceus and junior Brian Carlson as witnesses. The two teams tied in points. Cameron County captured the defense verdict. Borden was voted best advocate. Carlson was best witness.

"The students started out shy in the first trial, but by the time they competed in the second trial, they took control of the courtroom," said advisor Beth Malizia. "At the conclusion of the competitions, the judge remarked how well the students had improved."