On March 8 at the Beaver County Courthouse, New Brighton’s mock trial team competed at the regional competition, defeating McDowell High School. This success granted them the opportunity to move onto the state competition, for which they will travel to Harrisburg on March 23-March 24.

“The regional competition was definitely one of our easier competitions. Our hardest competition was the county championship against Quigley Catholic. Because Beaver County is one of the most advanced counties, there is definitely more competition here than anywhere else in Pa.,” FHS senior and team member Kitt Jordan said. “I’m not sure how we will do at the state team, but so far we are undefeated so I have a lot of hope. We are working really hard too; I think it’ll pay off.”

Jordan, who has been a member of the team for several years, had success of her own at the event. She was awarded “Best Advocate” from New Brighton, along with having given the defense opening statement and two cross-examinations that night.

“It’s always nice to be recognized, but at the same time, I always feel like my teammates have earned it more than I did,” Jordan stated.

The team is otherwise constructed of students from New Brighton. Before the regional competition, they won at Districts, County and the Pitt Mock Trial Competition. Moving forward, they hold high hopes of achieving success at the state level.

“I feel very confident in our team. With them, everything feels very doable,” New Brighton senior and mock trial member Legion Lake shared.

Following this, the team will put in even more time into their preparation for the next stage of the trials. According to Jordan, they normally spend two hours a day, six days a week. They “run the case, go over notes, improve their case, and re-read the materials to find new things,” each day they work together.

“Our team would be nowhere without our incredible support from both school districts, and we can’t wait to see how far we’ll take it all,” Jordan said.