SOUTH ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — The Abington Heights Mock Trial team showed off its new state championship trophy on Monday. It's the team's third win in the past four years.
The students competed over the weekend in Harrisburg and made it to the final round. After presenting their case for the final time, students said they weren't sure if they did enough.
"When we were receiving the verdict, we all held hands. It's something that we do whenever we receive the verdict, and the team next to us wasn't, and I think that was really a testament to how close we are and the bond that you form in a team like ours," said senior Aidan Lam.
Each mock trial team across the Commonwealth receives the same case at the beginning of the season and presents that same case at each competition. After each time, they make adjustments on how to present their case to put them in a good position to win.
"The last few weeks, we've revised so much, whereas what should we emphasize, where should we change, what should we take out to make it more concise, to really pack that punch," said senior Dane Huggler.
The team is made up of students from 9th through 12th grade, but the bond these students have formed is what they believe made them the strongest team.
"There's a lot of people on the team that have majorly different roles and outlooks on how we're supposed to do this. All of us worked together to plan and hold each other up," said junior Zachary Riggall.
Many of the kids aspire to attend law school, while others say it has set them up for success no matter what career path they choose.
"It's provided me a great opportunity for tremendous personal growth. It's paved the way for my future, and I've met a majority of my best friends on this team. It's really just been great overall," said senior Madeline Herold.
The work isn't over just yet for Abington Heights. The team will represent Pennsylvania at the Mock Trial National Championship in Delaware beginning May 2.