PALCS Mock Trial Team Wins!
PA Leadership Charter School’s Mock Trial teams competed in the Chester County District Finals on February 25th. There were 19 high schools in the race this year.
The University Scholars Program at PALCS offered an A team and B team for this level of competition. After preparing through scrimmages at Kennett HS, WC East, and Great Valley, and then tournaments at La Salle University and Penn in January, both teams advanced beyond the initial round on February 10th and 11th, and pushed through a fierce semi-final round on the 24th. Six Chester County Teams made the semi-finals, including Devon Prep A, Villa Maria, and Owen J. Roberts HS. The PALCS-USP A Team defeated OJR and then received a “bye” to the finals. The PALCS-USP B Team battled through two trials on Monday night, defeating both Villa Maria and Devon Prep A.
The winning team of this PALCS-USP A v. PALCS-USP B match moves on to the regional level of competition. This is the first time that any school, much less a cyber charter school, has had multiple teams vying for the honor of the Chester County title in the finals.
The success of both teams is truly a testament to the value and positive impact of a PALCS education. The final round of this high stakes match began at 4:30 pm at the Chester County Justice Center, Courtroom 1. The trial was a work of art. A fierce, but honorable, contest between equals. In the end, the juror ballots were split 2-1 in favor of the PALCS-USP A Team, captained by seniors Cali Walsh, Karlee Whitpan, and Hayden Strong. So far this season, the team has a 10-1-1 record. The PALCS-USP B Team was lead by junior Emily Scott and sophomore Riley Wills.
The next step will be a regional level match at the Media Courthouse. If you see students on the team, please congratulate them on their amazing season… so far! Coaches Kristen Waltz and Martin Hopson could not be prouder. The teams would also like to thank their attorney advisor, Frank Baldo, and also attorney Ed Andres who volunteered as well. Thank you to all the parents too!
PALCS USP Mock Trial Teams would also like to thank the Pennsylvania Young Lawyers Division. All the lawyers and judges to run the competition volunteer their time and they greatly appreciate their efforts to provide our students the opportunity to “practice” law.
Pennsylvania’s Mock Trial is one of the largest in the nation. Learn more here.
