AUGUSTA — The state champion Lewiston High School Mock Trial team visited the State House on Jan. 15 in recognition of the team’s achievement, and were presented with a Legislative Sentiment. A Legislative Sentiment is a significant expression by the Legislature in recognition of civic and public achievements.
The team earned the top spot for the 2018-2019 school year in a December competition during which they defeated the five-time state champions from Cape Elizabeth. The Lewiston team will represent Maine at the national competition in Georgia this May. In Mock Trial competitions, team members take on the roles of attorneys, making opening statements, conducting direct and cross examinations, raising objections, and making closing arguments.
“I couldn’t be prouder of these hardworking young people,” said Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston. “The dedication they have shown to mock trial competition is exemplary of the best that Lewiston Public Schools, and our city more broadly, has to offer.”
The Lewiston High School Mock Trial program was started 25 years ago by longtime high school teacher Joan Macri, who coached the program for 25 years. The program’s current coach is Michelle Crowley, with assistance from a number of lawyer coaches. The current lawyer coaches include Paul Dionne, of the law firm Dionne and Couturier in Lewiston; Ron Lebel, of Skelton, Taintor and Abbott in Auburn; and Amy Dietrich, also of Skelton, Taintor, and Abbot in Auburn.
The students on the team are Shawn Chabot, Elena Clothier, Olivia Deschenes, Bryce Dufour, Abigail Dundore, Calvin Dundore, Nasser Guelleh, Erin Lachance, Hunter Landry, Andrew Letourneau, Katherine Morin, Rachel Ouellette, Samuel Payne, Kyra Physic, Sara Robert, Robert Shepard and Hunter Steele.
