After a fierce season of competition, Northport High School’s Mock Trial team emerged victoriously as the Suffolk County champions for the first time in the program’s history. They faced off against Bay Shore on April 3 and were declared the winners in a very close decision by Judge David T. Reilly.

Team members commented that as they advanced further in the tournament they became more determined to win and began practicing every day, including weekends, to prepared to face-off against some of the Island’s most formidable opponents.

Students worked hard at learning to anticipate other teams’ objections, mastered the rules of the Mock Trial handbook, and even interchanged roles in order to be prepared for every scenario. Once they defeated Huntington’s Mock Trial team —last year’s county champions—they knew they had a real chance at winning county title.

When the judge ruled in their favor at the County Championship round after an intense competition against Bay Shore, students were ecstatic, shocked, and extremely proud.

“It was a very emotional win,” said senior Emma Canfora. “Our hours and hours of hard work paid off.”

Additionally, the team unanimously agreed that one of the biggest driving forces behind their success was their captain Maggie Dowling, who “exhibited true leadership and dedication as a captain in every way”, according to club advisor Mr. David Scott. Mr. Scott also commented that, after pursuing the county champion title for twenty years, the win was truly an honor.

The Mock Trial team will be traveling to Albany May 19-21 to compete for the title of State Champions.

Congratulations to Hayley Hayden, John Hagan, Maggie Dowling (Team Captain), Rudy Mastrocinque, Isabella Anton, Sophia Borovikova , Erika Ramos-Pinto, Bailey Piper, Emma Canfora, and Chloe Bonchonsky for this incredible accomplishment!