Montoursville mock trial team celebrates state-level success; board recognizes student achievements

Students and coaches from the Montoursville Area High School mock trial team presented their season highlights to the school board on April 9.

Teacher coach Susan Wise (introduced on the agenda) said the team grew through the pandemic and this year earned first at the Pitt Cathedral Classic and finished among the top 10 teams out of 264 in the state. Lucia Catino, a senior and team captain, described mock trial as “the backbone of my high school career,” saying the team’s experience helped shape her plans to study political science.

Attorney coach Nicole Abolito, who has worked with the team for eight years, praised the students’ dedication and the parents’ support for travel and chaperoning. Multiple students — including Alexa, the senior who said the team reshaped her high-school experience, and Reese Peterson, a sophomore — spoke about the confidence and skills gained through competition.

Board members thanked the coaches, parents and students for their work and noted the program’s fundraising and volunteer support. The board recorded the recognition and moved on to regular business.