May 22, 2025
After an undefeated regular season, the New Hartford Mock Trial team went on to earn the title of Oneida-Herkimer-Madison County Champions at the 2025 New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Mock Trial Tournament.
The team of students in grades 10 through 12, led by New Hartford Senior High School social studies teacher Peter Anderson, analyzed a designated legal case throughout the school year to prepare for the NYSBA state-wide tournament series.
Participating students learn about civil law, criminal law and courtroom procedures. This year, students worked with attorney advisors, Eva Brindisi Pearlman, Esq. of Brindisi, Murad & Brindisi Pearlman, LLP and Patrick G. Radel, Esq. who serves as a Federal Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of New York.
In April, the team secured a courtroom victory arguing this year’s case, Leyton Manns v Sandy Townes, before United States District Court Judge Anthony Brindisi at the Utica Federal Courthouse. The fictional case was a civil suit involving a former superintendent suing a former student for publishing AI-deep fake videos and images of the superintendent. The team took turns representing both sides of the case throughout the season.
As a result of the team’s local championship win, the team advanced to the regional championship at the Binghamton Federal Courthouse.
“We didn’t get the win at regionals, but it was a great experience for our students; they have a lot to be proud of,” said Mr. Anderson.
This is the eighth time New Hartford Mock Trial has advanced to regionals since I began coaching in 2010. We’re looking to keep the momentum going next year.
pete anderson – New Hartfod Mock Trial coach/advisor
Team members attended the Law Day celebration held earlier this month at Oneida County Court where they accepted a plaque to commemorate their local championship win.
New Hartford Mock Trial Team Members
Grade 12 – Caitlin Alt, Julia Battaglia, Cutler Cristiano, Natalie Goodelle, Troy Luley, Madison Lynch, Imaad Maqsood, Olympia Pratt, Elena Roberts, Olivia Vitullo, Sophia Vitullo, Salvatore Weller
Grade 11 – Eoin Clive, Jack LeMura, Jierui Lin, Anya Martyniuk, Subeen Park, Parker Putnam, Gabriella Trunfio
Grade 10 – Noor Elmarasy, Aidan Luley, Subhaan Mian, Paul Sacco, Kyle Weng