PHOTO: The state champion Lewiston High School Mock Trial team was recognized with a legislative sentiment on Jan. 31 at the Maine State House. The team will represent Maine in the national finals in May. (Submitted photo)
AUGUSTA – Lewiston High School’s state champion mock trial team was presented with a legislative sentiment Jan. 31, when they visited the Maine State House.
The team defeated Brewer High School in the state finals Dec. 5, and will represent Maine at the national competition in Little Rock, Arkansas, in May.
Mock trial competition is a hypothetical criminal trial in which students play the roles of attorneys and witnesses. Trials take place in front of Maine judges and attorneys, who evaluate the students on their preparation, mastery of the facts, demeanor and poise.
Maine Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill supervised the finals competition in December.
The team includes head coach Michelle Crowley and students Ava Golder, Ben Cloutier, Sarah Mack, Gabby Thomas, Taylor Jean, Hayden LeCompte, Olivia Crowley, Ethan Rinko, Gabby Gladu, Kim McLaughlin, Adry Viles, Victoria Mpaka and Hayley Aloegnikou. Additional coaches include attorneys Paul Dionne and Amy Dietrich and retired attorney Ron Lebel. Recent LHS graduate and mock trial alum Dominic Pelletier also helped coach the team.
The team’s visit to the State House was hosted by Sen. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston. They were recognized in both the House and Senate, and met with Gov. Janet Mills.
“I am so proud of these students. They worked so hard to prepare for this tournament, and they executed flawlessly,” Rotundo said. “This team has made me and the entire Lewiston community very proud. I wish them the best of luck in the national competition.”
