CHS in regional 'mock trial' finals

Coudersport's mock trial team in the front are Melissa Gerner and attorney Andy Watson (advisor). Students in the back, from left, are Brian Wetzel, Emma Brink, Sarah Bunch and Aaron Chisholm. Also on the team, but not pictured are Kristy Kamper, Sheldon Carpenter, Joe Bartholomew and advisor Theresa Daniels

Eight Coudersport High School students are in Williamsport this week, competing in the regional finals of the Pennsylvania Mock Trial Championships.

Team members are Emma Brink, Brian Wetzel, Aaron Chisholm, Sarah Bunch, Sheldon Carpenter, Melissa Gerner, Joe Bartholomew and Kristy Kamper.

For the second straight year, Coudersport took top honors in district competition, held at the McKean County Courthouse in Smethport. Under the tutelage of advisors IU9 enrichment teacher Theresa Daniels and attorney Andy Watson, the Coudersport team demonstrated its courtroom skills to best entries from Austin, Port Allegany, Ridgway, Otto-Eldred and Kane.

As district winner, Coudersport advanced to regional competition in Williamsport against Bald Eagle High School. Before Judge Nancy Butts, Coudersport prevailed again.

Next up is the sectional finals this week, with Coudersport competing against Montoursville before Judge James McClure. That winner qualifies for the state finals in Harrisburg March 28-29.

Students play the roles of prosecutors and defense attorneys in a mock trial setting established under contest guidelines by the Pa. Bar Assn. Young Lawyers Division.

The Mock Trial Championships attracted 305 teams from 262 high schools across the state.