H-ton Trial Team Advances
to Elite Eight
A close victory over Miller Place last week has propelled Huntington High School’s mock trial team to the Suffolk Elite Eight round set for Wednesday at the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip.
Huntington edged Miller Place last week, 62-58 to move into the sixth round of this year’s competition. “The Round 5 competition scores were very close, which is a testament to the excellence of the teams participating this year,” said Joy Ferrari of the Suffolk Academy of Law in a message sent to the advisors of the participating teams. “Everyone should be proud of themselves.”
Huntington’s new trial team has been perfect so far this year, boasting a 5-0 mark. Librarian Patricia Dillon is the group’s faculty advisor while local attorneys and district residents John LoTurco and Xavier Palacios are serving as the team’s legal advisors. The competition is sponsored by the New York State Bar Association.
The narrow victory over Miller Place in the Sweet 16 round last week was especially satisfying. “I believe it was one of our finest efforts whereby all of the attorneys and witnesses performed with confidence and poise,” Mr. LoTurco said. The trial competition was presided over by Stephen Ukeiley, a former county district court judge.
Huntington trial team attorneys Justin LoTurco, Charles Beers and Jacob Strieb were tenacious and self-assured in receiving near perfect scores in the match-up with Miller Place Witnesses Elizabeth Corrao, Yardalie Daniel and Joseph Saginaw all received perfect scores from the judge for their theatrical and compelling presentations.
“Our team’s 5-0 season thus far is a testament to our ability to adapt to new challenges at each trial from highly creative adversaries,” Mr. LoTurco said.” Although we expect stiffer competition in the quarterfinals and beyond, Mr. Palacios, Mrs. Dillon and I are truly confident in this team’s unlimited capabilities. Most of all, the team’s chemistry and close friendships have resulted in a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all. We truly appreciate the school and the community’s continued support for the mock trial team.”
Huntington will represent the plaintiff against Commack in the Elite Eight round this week. Commack lost in last year’s county semifinals to eventual state champion William Floyd.
Northport topped William Floyd last week in the Sweet 16. Nine-time county champion Bay Shore has also reached the Elite Eight round along with Harborfields, Smithtown West, Ward Melville and St. Anthony’s.
Upcoming rounds will be presided over by currently sitting district court judges. The finals will be overseen by a U.S. district court judge at the Alphonse M. D’Amato United States Courthouse in Central Islip.