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STEAM Mock Trial Team recognized for going the distance in NYS Mock Trial Tournament

Two students showing off certificates with the mayor.
STEAM Mock Trial Team recognized for going the distance in NYS Mock Trial Tournament

On Wednesday afternoon, members of the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy Mock Trial Team received certificates from the City of Mount Vernon and the Commitee on Law, Youth and Citizenship from the New York Bar Association, presented by Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. These certificates recognized the team for their success in going four rounds into the New York State High School Mock Trial tournament, which is held by the Westchester Bar Association and the New York Bar Association. 

Three mock trial members sitting next to each other.

“It’s incredibly outstanding to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is the first time we’ve been honored, and this is a memory I'll have for the rest of my life,” said Peter Silveria, an 11th grader who had the role of lawyer on the Mock Trial Team. “It was amazing to have this as my first experience in the courtroom, to argue and to stand in front of a judge who has judged multiple serious cases. It was an honor.” 

Students competed in the Westchester County Courthouse against teams from all over the county. They prepared tirelessly for this tournament, and although it was their first year as a club, the team managed to go the distance, putting all of the valuable skills they had learned to the test. 

Members of mock trial team posing with the mayor, staff, and parents.

At this certificate ceremony, students met and connected with Mayor Patterson-Howard and Corporation Counsel Brian Johnson, who instructed and guided these students through their first year as a team. Students also presented Mr. Johnson with a large thank you card, signed by members and staff, thanking him for all of his hard work and wisdom given to the members. 

Mayor Patterson-Howard spoke to students about staying true and confident in themselves, having emotional intelligence and always believing in themselves and their goals before handing them their certificates and congratulating them alongside Mr. Johnson, Principal Dr. Christopher Pearce, team-advisor Steve Kollias and Assistant Principal Edwin Alexander. 

“To be first is to be special,” said Mayor Patterson-Howard during her speech to students. “You’re starting a new tradition. You’ve started something new and other students will come and build upon it.” 

Student posing with the mayor.
Student being congratulated by the mayor and staff.
Students at ceremony listening to speech.
Three members of the mock trial team sitting at ceremony.
Instructor accepting thank you card.
student posing with the mayor.
student being recognized for mock trial tournament.


 

Mount Vernon STEAM Academy announces October Staff of the Month at first STEAMs-giving
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