Last evening in the stately main chamber of the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown, Mendham High School’s Mock Trial Team won the county mock trial competition for the 20th consecutive year defeating a most capable opposing side from the Delbarton School. The championship performance of Mendham’s Defense team spearheaded by senior attorney Olivia Piacenti and co-counsel Nathan Acheampong was surgically incisive and artfully articulated matching earlier victories in the tournament by the Plaintiff side of attorneys Ryan Smith and Anthony Khakhiashvili. The team has worked tirelessly for three months honing the substance of their case, testimonial skills, and presentation under the careful guidance of club advisor, Mr. Eric Heditsch and longtime attorney coach, Bill Connelly. Due to their collective efforts, they can claim this most historic achievement (20 YEARS!) in one of the state of New Jersey’s most hallowed courtrooms. Mendham Mock will represent Morris County in the New Jersey state competition next month in New Brunswick. Congratulations to these remarkable scholars and their teammates seen in the group photo below taken immediately following their victory!
Back Left to Right: Attorney-Coach Bill Connelly, Teacher-Coach Eric Heditsch, Cole Smith - defense witness (Sam Stone), Ryan Smith - plaintiff attorney, Nathan Acheampong - defense attorney, Anthony Khakhiashvili - plaintiff attorney