COURT HOUSE – The Middle Township AARP Chapter 1182 hosted the Middle Township High School Mock Trial Team at the Samuel DeVico Senior Center Feb. 12. Having won the top spot in the county, the team will travel to the Regional South Jersey Final Feb. 26. If successful, the team would then advance to the finals March 24 at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick.
“Having the students here is just an extra special treat that our President, Mr. (Burgess “Butch”) Hamer has arranged,” said AARP Chapter 1182 Vice-President Betty Canderan. “We just look forward to having the kids understand that we are also a viable part of the community.”
The students, led by advisors Martina Trapani and Joseph Towns, impressed area seniors with their professionalism, knowledge and teamwork.
The mock trial team consists of Dylan Rhile, Morgon Goranson, Victoria Shappell, Dominique McNeil, Jake Canter, Rose Frye, Robert Cline, Tim Gear, Lauren Anderson, Gabby Giuliano, Nick Stella, Dillon Keller, Casie Salvadore, Amber D’Abundo, Austin Hentges and Kassandra Ramos.
“They’re the best of the best,” said Trapani.
Trapani, a teacher at Middle Township for 18 years, said the mock trial team is one of the many reasons she enjoys her job.
“I don’t like to brag, but you need to know that this team has gotten you on the map so many times,” said Trapani. “This town has given us so much, that in 2007 and 2011 we were state champions.”
The team presented the case of State v. Sawyer, a fatal one-car accident involving siblings. Prosecutors Rhile and Shappell argued that “Sid Sawyer,” played by Hentges, was driving at the time of the accident, while Defense Attorneys Goranson and Cline said deceased sister “Kathy” was behind the wheel.
Members of the AARP served as the jury and cheered as the students dazzled them with their spirited back-and-forth.
Towns said the students were excited to perform for the seniors. “The students are really happy,” said Towns. “They really wanted to be here today.”
To contact Kirby Reed, email kreed@cmcherald.com.
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