First Person Fall ’25

Along with faculty advisor Eve Elizondo ’17, nearly a dozen Winsor students traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to compete on the national stage: Nika Bigelow ’25, Tenney Bluman ’26, Elizabeth Fitzpatrick ’25, Elyse Hychong ’26, Bella Holt ’27, Amber Lan ’25, Julia Nephew ’25, Kendal Pauyo’26, Bonnie Shao ’27, Charlotte Wheeler ’27, and Emily Zhang ’25.

Longtime supporters and attorney coaches David Weintarten P’08, P’12 and Ken Leonetti P’20 guided students through practices, scrimmages, prosecution, defense, cross examinations, and rebuttals. In total, 47 teams from across the nation competed. Ultimately, Winsor’s mock trial team finished in 21st place.

What is something people are surprised to learn about mock trial?

It is a team sport through and through—and a fantastic spectator sport at that.

Was it a close competition?

Very. With a record of two wins and two extremely close losses, we were a mere ballot away from placing within the top 10! On the first day, our prosecution team locked into the longest and hardest trial of the competition against Georgia’s Decatur High School, a mock trial powerhouse. We lost by a hair, but were neck and neck with a team that placed fourth.

What sort of roles do people play?

Winsor will be assigned prosecution or defense. Typically there are three lawyers and three witnesses for each side. The lawyers will deliver an opening statement and closing argument, as well as direct and cross examinations. Lawyers usually do a combination of roles at nationals. For example, Emily did a direct examination, a cross examination, and the closing argument for the defense. On prosecution, she did a direct examination and a cross examination. Each task or role requires a different skill set. Some favorite witnesses from this case:

• Elizabeth’s portrayal of juvenile-delinquent-turned-journalist, and on the other side, a 72-year-old true-crime podcaster accused of attempted murder
• Tenney’s investigative journalist and attempted-murder victim
• Charlotte’s quirky, quick-witted portrayal of a disgraced cop and long-lost cousin of the accused

Are there awards?

There are awards at the closing ceremony for top teams and standout attorneys. Additionally, at the end of each trial, teams exchange sportsmanship awards to celebrate each other’s strengths. After facing off against the College Preparatory School of America, the Chicago competitors awarded Bonnie the Star Attorney Award, and celebrated Bella with the Star Witness Award for an iconic portrayal of beck (“that’s a lowercase b. No middle name, no last name. Just beck.”). This sophomore dynamic duo stole the show with a highly entertaining direct examination, making all three judges laugh multiple times.