Mock Trial to compete in Regional competition

Madison Aboud, Mattie Baker, Adrielle McNeal, Diego Gil, and Isabella Benjamin • March 12, 2026 • 223 Views

All smiles. The Mock Trial A Team poses for a photo after securing a win at their last competition. The team will be going up against Penn Trafford in the Regional competition on March 14.

On Saturday March 14, the Mock Trial team will compete at their regional competition.

“It’s a lot of practice,” Mock Trial Coach Mackenzie Negri said. “The kids have been working since November. It’s usually two practices a week but then during competition weeks it’s up to four or five days of practice. This week is five days to prepare for our regional competition.”

In their previous competition, the A Team and the B Team had to go against each other. The A Team is coached by Negri while the B Team is coached by Jacob Wilt. The A Team came out victorious.

“Mr. Wilt’s team, that’s the future for our program,” Negri said. “It’s our younger kids, and they’re still learning. I think it was a good opportunity for them to kind of see what the goal should be for them.”

“It was definitely an experience,” junior Baylin Smith said. “We weren’t expecting to have to go up against each other, but going up against each other made it easier because we felt comfortable with each other and were able to experiment.”

Senior Jamin Dong has been part of Mock Trial for two years.

“I am definitely super excited and super proud of our team for being able to make it to regionals,” Dong said. “It’s something that we haven’t done in three years. The last time we made it to regionals was the year before I joined. We definitely need things to improve before we go to the actual competition, but I’m definitely confident that we have a shot.”

Sophomore Darby Hollen is also on the Mock Trial A team.

“The teamwork aspect of A team is very good,” Hollen said. “We all are very nice to each other, and I feel like that’s probably what is most important about our team. It is comforting having my friends there with me and supporting me and knowing even if I make a mistake they’ll hold me accountable but not be mean.”

The A team defeated Central in order to secure their spot at regionals.

“It was very exciting to win,” Negri said. “The kids have worked really hard to create their case and their theories. We had success at our early tournaments at Pitt and Penn State then when we came to our local competitions, we felt very confident. I was really proud of their performance.”

“Central is like our Hollidaysburg for any other sporting event,” Wilt said. “They’re like our cross town rivals. We pair up pretty frequently, so I wasn’t surprised to see Central in the district championship.”

While Wilt’s B team did not make it into regionals, he will be supporting the A team as an assistant coach.

“It’s nice I can help A team out fully now,” Wilt said. “There is a rule in Mock Trial where you are not allowed to advise another team while you are still in competition. The fact I get to be there truly as a supporter and true assistant coach if they need anything is nice.”

Junior Gabriella Sparacino is looking forward to the competition on March 14.

“I feel excited, and I’m also extremely nervous because now we’re moving on to some teams that get their curriculum,” Sparacino said. “It’s part of their curriculum to do Mock Trial, and so they have a lot longer to flesh out things than we do. So I’m definitely a little nervous, but I’m excited.”

Junior Trey Butlin also is excited for the competition.

“I mean, we’ve grown as a team tremendously from the start of the season, we definitely struggled putting our case together and getting our story flushed out and just looking at how we have it,” Butlin said. “Right now, our story is very flushed out. All the points we want to hit are very much ready to go. So I’m looking forward to it.”

About the Contributors

Madison Aboud, Editor – in – Chief

My name is Madison Aboud, and this is my fourth year on the Mountain Echo staff. I am honored to serve as Editor in Chief for the 2025 – 2026 school year. In 2023, I did an Editorial Leadership training through CSPA (Columbia Scholastic Press Association). In July 2024, I served as a National Youth Correspondent for the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) at George Mason University. When I’m not focused on the Mountain Echo, you can find me reading, spending time with friends and family or hanging out with my dogs. After I graduate, I plan to major in English and minor in Communications. My goal this year is to represent our student body accurately and fairly.

Mattie Baker, Associate Editor

I am an associate editor and this is my second year on staff! I’ve always loved reading and writing. My dream job, at the moment, is to work at Barnes & Nobles and drink Starbucks on the daily. I’m obsessed with action movies like “Bullet Train,” “John Wick” and “James Bond.” I also have a passion for art. I’ve been taking extra art classes for over 10 years! Later in my life, I hope to be a storyboard artist and author.

Adrielle McNeal, Reporter

My name is Adrielle McNeal, and this is my second year as a Mountain Echo staff member. I took Intro to Pub my freshman year, and fell in love with the class. Along with Mountain Echo, I am an editor for the Horseshoe yearbook. Balancing both classes can be a lot, but it’s worth it. I also participate in the drama club and Black Student Union.

Diego Gil, Reporter

Hi! My name is Diego Gil, and I’m a sophomore. This is my first year on the Mountain Echo staff. I’m a part of Mock Trial, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) and I’m the soccer team’s #12. If you catch me on the streets, it’s not me because I’m probably at home with my dogs. I’m extremely excited to write for the Mountain Echo, and I hope to make our publication just a little better.

Isabella Benjamin, Reporter

My name is Isabella Benjamin, but everyone calls me Izzie, and this is my first year on staff. I have loved taking photos since I was little and it was when I watched Gilmore Girls that I realized I could write and take photos in school. Aside from Mountain Echo I am involved in student council, Girls’ League, S.A.D.D. ( Students Against Destructive Decisions) and more. Outside of school, you can find me skiing, hanging out with my friends and family or always shopping. A fun fact about me is that I am an alpine ski racer. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of 2025-26 Mountain Echo staff, and hope to have a great year.