Tottenville High School Mock Trial Association

Tottenville Places 2nd in New York State
Pirates cap off an incredible year with best finish in program history

Team poses for a photo after the New York State Championship Round.

5.22.08 - The Tottenville High School Mock Trial Team placed second at the New York State Tournament held on May 19-20, 2008 at the U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York in Albany, New York. After winning its first two rounds, the Pirates were jubilant when their name was called at the awards' ceremony on Monday night. "We kind of accepted that our season was over, so it was just unbelievable when they announced us," said senior Jesse Siegel, "everyone went crazy." Tottenville faced off against East Islip High School from Long Island in the Championship Round. The case was heard by Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals, Victoria A. Graffeo. After an intense round of competition, the Pirate suffered their first loss of the year. "The loss was initially very disappointing, but we had such an amazing year," explained junior Amar Patel, we exceeded all expectations." Tottenville's second place finish was the best in the history of the burgeoning mock trial program. Read more.

The Waiting is Over! Pirates Capture New York City Crown
Tottenville defeats defending state champions on way to title

5.8.08 - As the old adage goes, "the third time is the charm." After two consecutive losses in the regional finals in 2005 and 2006, the Tottenville High School Mock Trial Team finally captured the city championship title. Tottenville will be returning to Albany, to compete in the State Finals, for the first time since 2004. "Winning the championship after what we went through the last two years was so special. This victory is for all of the seniors on that ’06 team that deserved to go to states," said Team Captain and senior Michelle Cuozzo. The journey was certainly not easy. The Pirates defeated the 2006 New York State Champions, Marymount High School, in the Semi-Finals and the 2007 State Champions, the Bronx School for Law and Government, in route to their victory. Head Coach Justin Matarrese explained the difficulty of the opposition, "These were some of the toughest, most well prepared teams in the state and we had them back-to-back. The rounds were fierce and the students really poured their hearts out to win them. I was so proud of the team." The title required Tottenville to win seven consecutive rounds. Read more.

Team poses for a photo with the city championship trophy after their victory.

Australia Joins Empire City Invitational
St. Pius X High School from New South Wales signs on for the Empire

5.6.08 - The Empire City Invitational continues to expand internationally according to Head Coach Justin Matarrese, "We have been trying to reach out to international coordinators." St. Pius X High School, a Catholic School from Adamstown, New South Wales, confirmed their participation at the Empire earlier this week. "We are looking forward to attending," said St. Pius X Coach, Gregory Struck, "we are currently working on fundraising for the event." St. Pius X is the second international school that will be attending the Empire. The CheongShim International Academy agreed to attend in March. For more information about the tournament, please visit the invitational section of the website.

Mock Trial is an extracurricular activity which provides students the opportunity to compete on a statewide level. Students learn first hand about the work of trial attorneys, understand the judicial system, develop critical thinking and enhance communication skills. Tournaments consist of trials between prosecution (or plaintiff) and defense teams. Each team consists of 6-12 members, six of whom will actually compete at any given time (three as attorneys, three as witnesses). Each trial focuses on a single case which governs competition for the entire year, alternating annually between a criminal or civil legal issue. The New York State High School Mock Trial Competition has been coordinated since its founding in 1983 by the New York State Bar Association's Law, Youth and Citizenship Program, or LYC.

For more information please visit the About section.

I want to go into business, and really have no interest in the law,
but mock trial was awesome... a lot of fun... good times... and
helps you a lot for life... join.
-David Gindin, THS Mock Trial Association '06

Listen to people who have lived through it... Mock Trial is a lot more then just an extra curricular activity -

I heard about Mock Trial from a friend...it was an amazing experience. I improved my public speaking skills, learned legal procedure and even became a better actor. My most promising memories and friends have been because of Mock Trial.
-Steven Kanjo, THS Mock Trial Association '05

The THS Mock Trial team may seem like just a few high school kids working together to win a competition, but we're much more than that. Not only do we train almost incessantly, but we develop life-long friendships, flawless character, and of course, an indestructible work ethic along the way. I will never forget what the THS law and advocacy program has done for me.
- Abel Thomas, THS Mock Trial Association '06

I did Mock Trial because I heard from other members what a great experience it was... it turned out to be better then I expected. I made many new friendships, learned a lot about the legal system, and even more about British accents!
-Danny Subkhankalov, THS Mock Trial Association '06