Seneca Valley High School's mock trial team competed at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral Classic Tournament in January, taking fifth place out of 50 teams from around Pennsylvania. Submitted photo

Seneca Valley’s mock trial team took fifth place at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral Classic Tournament, where its members competed against 50 teams from across Pennsylvania.

Throughout the competition, students immersed themselves in a complex legal case, developing prosecution and defense strategies, mastering their assigned roles and presenting arguments in simulated courtrooms.

Seneca Valley senior Calleigh Foulkrod also earned a Best Witness award, distinguishing her among hundreds of high school competitors.

“They demonstrated a strong understanding of the case as a whole, supported one another in every role and showed an impressive demonstration of objections and courtroom procedure,” said Brieana Nassan, the team’s adviser. “This result is a well-earned recognition of that effort.”

The mock trial team is comprised of students in grades nine through 12 in the gifted program, and includes Jacob Hensler, Julia Gibilisco, Calliegh Foulkrod, Lillian Eaves, Ziva Schmitt, Mariana Silva, Erin Sbrolla, Jonathan Brower, Liam Janouskovec, Seliah Catterall, Josie McMichael, Riya Patel, Breanna Zimmerman, Lauryn Fencik, Juliann Matter, Monique Polas, Jovi Pencek, Graysen Hundertmark and Autumn Holmes.

The Seneca Valley mock trial team is preparing for the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s statewide competition. The District Mock Trial Competition takes place in February at Butler County Courthouse.