Lewiston High School wins Mock Trial state championship

The Lewiston High School Mock Trial Team defeated Cape Elizabeth High School in the statewide high school mock trial final competition Dec. 8 at the Capitol Judicial Center in Augusta. From left are Amy Dieterich, Michelle Crowley, Hayley Aloegnikou, Lilly Beaulieu, Sarah Mack, Adry Viles, Isabella Caldeira, Enzo Giampaolo, Gabby Thomas, Ethan Rinko, Olivia Crowley, Kaiya Poulin, Taylor Jean, Zara Bimbi, Ron Lebel, Victoria Mpaka, Andrew Boulanger, Holly Aloegnikou, Ava Golder and Paul Dionne. Submitted photo

The Lewiston High School Mock Trial Team defeated Cape Elizabeth High School in the statewide high school mock trial final competition, held Dec. 8 at the Capitol Judicial Center in Augusta.

Mock Trial is an academic competition in which students assume the roles of attorneys and witnesses in conducting a criminal trial. In this year’s tournament, State of Maine v Sammy Brewster, the defendant stands trial for the offenses of manslaughter and furnishing alcohol to a minor resulting in death. Students testified as witnesses and examined and cross-examined witnesses as in a real trial.

Students are required to learn the law, the rules of procedure, and the rules of evidence that govern actual criminal trials, and prepare and deliver direct and cross-examination questions, testimony, and opening and closing statements.

The final competition this year was presided over by Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Valerie Stanfill. It was also judged by U.S. Attorney for Maine Darcie McElwee and Attorney Hilary Billings. Each judged the performance of the witnesses and attorneys. Lewiston prevailed by unanimous vote of the judges.

This is the second consecutive state championship for Lewiston in the mock trial competition and the first time in history that Lewiston has successfully defended its championship. It is also Lewiston’s third state championship in the last six years.

LHS social studies teacher Michelle Crowley, the teacher/coach who heads the Lewiston program, said in a news release, “I could not be more proud of our LHS team this year. They embraced the competition and worked extremely hard to win this tournament during a time of unprecedented tragedy and grief in our community. It became their mission to defend the championship and they would not allow anything to deter them. The team intended to prove that ‘Lewiston Strong’ is not merely a wish or a prayer. It is a statement of fact. This team exemplifies the grit, determination and excellence in our community. It is an honor to lead them.”

Lewiston High has now qualified to represent Maine in the national high school mock trial tournament, set to be conducted in Wilmington, Delaware, in May 2024.

Participating students include Olivia Crowley, Gabby Thomas, Ethan Rinko, Hayley Aloegnikou, Adry Viles, Sarah Mack, Victoria Mpaka, Ava Golder, Taylor Jean, Holly Aloegnikou, Zara Bimbi, Lilly Beaulieu, Enzo Giampaolo, Kaiya Poulin and Isabella Caldeira.

Coaches include Crowley, Paul Dionne, Ron Lebel, Amy Dieterich, Joan Macri, Andrew Boulanger, Hunter Steele, Robert Shepard, Kyra Physic and Lee Kenney.