Glenwood Landing Mock Trial Competition

GWL Mock Trial Club Holds Court

For months, 20 students in the Glenwood Landing Mock Trial Club diligently prepared for their complex case, The People of NY v. Matthew Shriek, for the Mock Trial Competition through Western Suffolk BOCES. On April 18th, parents and family members were invited to attend a dress rehearsal of their “young” lawyers, court personnel, and witnesses under the direction of School-wide Enrichment Specialist, Mrs. Audra Marcantonio. Dressed in their best suits, dresses, and/or slacks and shirts, members of the GWL Mock Trial Club pleaded their case to the judge, Mrs. Carolyn Massu Genovesi, Esq., a talented lawyer who over the years has shared her wisdom and expertise to the numerous hardworking, legal-minded, elementary students of Glenwood Landing School.

Whether assigned to the prosecution or the defense team, participation in the Mock Trial Club requires students to communicate, collaborate, and cooperate with one another in exploring legal solutions to the complex case before them: The People of NY v. Matthew Shriek.

The GWL Mock Trial Club spent months developing trial strategy, formulating questions for direct examination and cross examination, and drafted opening statements and closing arguments. The dedicated students worked collaboratively to craft and practice questioning strategies, revise theories, learn and rehearse trial testimony and etiquette (including making and responding to objections. Additionally, they needed to understand and apply complex relevant legal standards to the facts of the case and communicate and interact cohesively to be successful. Not an easy task, and very authentic to a real courtroom.

The GWL Mock Trial Club consists of Ashley Holden, Lousia Ludmar, Benjamin Ryan, Maya Samuels, Gianna Bertolini, Alec Mandell, Hannah Donnely, Kristin Arena, Samantha Glatt, Kelly Lynch, Mailynn Betanco, Chloe Corn, Juliet Ryan-Baez, Sofia Vasquez, Darren Friedlin, Paul Panganos, Malia Gasparri, Leah Poku-Amanfo, Nathan Strong, and Julianna Betanco.
Thank you to all of the parents, families, teachers, chaperones, and students for their devotion to the Glenwood Landing Mock Trial Club.

Article and photos by Shelly Newman with expertise from Mrs. Marcantonio