Huntington High School’s undefeated mock trial team is continuing its charge toward a state title, preparing to compete in the finals in May.
The Blue Devils squad recently defeated Northport in the Suffolk County finals.
Sponsored by the New York State Bar Association, the state tournament is set for May 21-23 in Albany. Huntington was lstate runner-up last year.
Xavier Palacios, a Blue Devil alumnus and a Board of Education trustee, serves as the team’s legal adviser, helping students analyze this year’s case and assisting team members in the development of strategies and lines of questioning for both sides of the case.
“It is remarkable to witness high school students litigate cases with the confidence and skill of seasoned attorneys,” Palacios said. “I often forget that they are high school students when they are competing. This team has worked diligently and tirelessly in honing their skills and their efforts paid off. In the beginning of the season their goal was to be the county and state champions. Their journey continues as Huntington will represent Suffolk County in the state tournament in Albany on May 22 -23. The competition is a statewide tournament with over 400 schools competing.”
Hundreds of hours have been devoted to rehearsing lawyers and witnesses. Teachers Suzi Biagi and Brian Outsen serve as faculty advisers.
“We’re all quite excited regarding the state championship tournament,” senior Angie Hernandez-Ramos said. “Given that it’s in person this year we’re thrilled that we can keep up a similar style of practice leading up the tournament. This is the third time that Huntington is going to states and the second time we’re actually going up to Albany so the intense pressure is still on. Honestly, I am so proud of my team for how things have progressed up to this point and I have full confidence that we will go very far.”