by Luke Shevchik

GSHS Mock trial team at Harrisburg for states. Photo submitted by: Anna Spigarelli

The Mock Trial team recently headed to the Pennsylvania Capitol where they wrapped up their successful season.  

“It was a fun experience, and I will for sure do it again next year,” sophomore Anna Spigarelli said. 

Spigarelli is satisfied with her season after the team competed in person for the first time since Covid. 

The Mock Trial team won against Penn Trafford in Counties and won regionals, beating Altoona and Ringgold. 

“It was an amazing experience, I was impressed that we got that far,” junior Aryana Galdo said. “We have a very young team, and the sophomores blew me away.” 

In this season alone Galdo has won two best advocate awards and five best witness awards. 

“Overall Mock Trial was a good experience, and I had a great time bonding with the team,” senior Rachel Leo said.  

Leo said their main focus was practicing five to six days a week at the Westmoreland County Courthouse. 

States for Mock Trial took place at the Pennsylvania Capito7l in Harrisburg, where the team took their first loss against Roman Catholic in the first trial. 

“Mrs. Solomon dedicates her personal time between her kid and our team while   accommodating us in our process,” Leo said. 

Mrs. Kristen Solomon has been the Mock Trial coach for six years; this year was one of the more successful years.  

“I’m so proud of this team,” Mrs. Solomon said. “They faced some unique challenges along the way yet continued to work hard and support each other. Their success is proof that they are a strong team and I look forward to seeing what they do next year.”