OLM Mock Trial Team Wins Middle School Championship

The Our Lady of Mercy School Mock Trial Team won the Middle School Mock Trial State Championship at the Connecticut Appellate Court in Hartford recently.

After months of preparation, the competition began in mid-January with a regional competition consisting of 70 teams from public, private and parochial schools. The winners went on to compete in the quarterfinals, which eventually left the top four teams of the state to compete in the semi-finals at the New Britain Superior Court.

This year’s team, which was coached by 8th grade teacher Mrs. Nancy Addorisio, attorney-coach Eugene Calistro and voice and drama coaches Lily Molloy and Denise Roberts, was also assisted by Father Robert Turner and Attorney Pete McShane. The team consisted of six attorneys: Helen Bui, Kyle Ericson, Kevin Lichtenfels, Lucas Voghell, Jackie O’Brien, and Carla Kay, and six witnesses: Gianni Calistro, Olivia DiVincenzo, Sheila Flaherty, Kate Hall, Emily Tyler, and Jakob Lindner.

The mock trial program was developed 15 years ago by Civics First, a private nonprofit association that promotes and conducts law-related education programs. The mock trial experience gives students an opportunity to enhance public speaking and critical thinking skills. Our Lady of Mercy School has participated in the Mock Trial Program for the past 10 years: 7 of these years OLM earned the state championship title and two years they were awarded second place.

Eugene Calistro, senior assistance state’s attorney said, “It was an honor to have coached these tremendous young men and women of OLM along with Mrs. Addorisio. Regardless of whether these students continue their education in the field of law, this mock trial competition was truly an exercise in building self-confidence. I believe that the Connecticut Bar would be amazed at the degree of professionalism exhibited by what may be our next generation of lawyers.”

This article was contributed by Madison Patch reader Asiye Kay. If you have something you'd like us to run, please send it to pem.mcnerney@patch.com.