On Thursday, December 8th the North Providence High School Mock Trial team had their first trial of the 2016-2017 school year.

The school faced off against the New England Academy of Torah on the side of defense. After a close trial that lasted almost three hours, the team came away with a close win by less than a point.

Following a successful season last year that saw the team finishing third in the state, the highest the school has ever placed, the Mock Trial team faced a new challenge this time around with a fresh-lineup of lawyers and witnesses. After losing a spectacular team of graduating seniors that carried the team through a series of record breaking wins for two years, this school year saw the introduction of new lawyers Brendan O’ Connell, Victoria Winter, and Vanessa Saucier replacing veterans Brian O’ Gara, Vina Shannon, and Suzana Smith. Vanessa Saucier being the only one with prior experience as a lawyer, playing one in a trial last year on the side of prosecution while Brendan O’ Connell and Victoria Winter played as witnesses.

Along with a new set of lawyers, the team had two freshman Nick Barrow and Adrianna Houde joining returning member Perry Cusati as defense witnesses, as well as senior Michaela Fornaro taking on the role of Rules Expert in place of David Sullivan.

In the audience were many other members of the Mock Trial team there to cheer on their teammates. This year, Mock Trial has seen a spike in membership with more students finding interest in law than years prior.

Returning for a second year is lawyer consultant/mentor Sherry Lussier who comes to meetings after school and assists the team with tips on how to set up their case.

The teams next trial will take place on January 10th against Times2 STEM Academy. The NPHS team will play the role of prosecution.

For more information on Mock Trial see Ms. Bozigian in room 310.