Mock Trial Team Looking for New Members
The Mock Trial A team at the Cambria County Courthouse in 2019, the last time the competition was in-person.
The Tyrone High School Mock Trial team is looking to add new members for the 2022-23 season.
The team will hold an informational meeting from 3:10 to 4 pm on Wednesday, October 26 in room 226 for all interested students in grades 9-12.
Mock Trial Team Advisor and TAHS teacher Todd Cammarata wants students to know what mock trial has to offer.
“This is the best academic competition available to students in Pennsylvania. Students involved will improve their critical thinking, speaking, and arguing skills while having fun and competing against other schools,” said Cammarata. “After two years of having the trials virtually on Zoom, I am excited that the competition will finally be back in person this year.”
Mock Trial is the best academic competition available to students in Pennsylvania. Students involved improve their critical thinking, speaking, and arguing skills while having fun and competing against students from other schools
— Advisor Todd Cammarata
A mock trial team consists of at least nine students. Three play the roles of attorneys and six play witness roles.
The Mock Trial regular season runs from the beginning of November to the end of February. Teams that advance to the regional and state rounds will continue to compete through March.
“You don’t have to want to be a lawyer to join, but anyone interested in a law-related field should definitely give it a try. The witness roles are more like improv acting and are a great fit for students who enjoy the performing arts,” said Cammarata.
He hopes to get enough interest this year to field two teams, which would require a team of 18-20 students.
“Due to several of the members graduating over the past two years, as well as a lack of new student interest during COVID, there are lots of open spots this year. This is a good opportunity for students who may be new to mock trial to give it a try,” said Cammarata. “It was good that we were able to have the competitions during COVID, but being virtual took away a lot of the fun. I am really looking forward to re-establishing the team this year with some new members.”
The state-wide Mock Trial Competition is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association and gives students from across the state the opportunity to play roles as lawyers and witnesses in a simulated trial in front of actual Pennsylvania judges and a jury made up of lawyers and other law professionals.
For more information about the competition, visit the PA Mock Trial website.
If you like to argue and are good at thinking on your feet, then mock trial is for you
— Advisor Todd Cammarata
“The competition is a fun way for students to develop their critical thinking skills and outsmart the opposing team. If you like to argue and are good at thinking on your feet, then mock trial is for you,” said Cammarata.
The team practices two days a week after school. They plan to compete in two tournaments, the annual University of Pittsburgh High School Tournament held in Pittsburgh and the Blue and White Classic Tournament at Penn State University.
Interested students should come to the meeting on Wednesday after school. If you cannot attend, see Mr. Cammarata in room 226 or 230 for more information.
