The Mock Trial team recently showcased its formidable skills at the Region 4 tournament, held at the Jefferson Parish Courthouse in Gretna. The tournament, which draws schools from the New Orleans metropolitan area, is a pivotal stage in the journey to the Louisiana State Mock Trial Championship.

Jesuit fielded two teams of student attorneys and witnesses who engaging in a rigorous contest of legal acumen and persuasive argumentation. Team Brown, consisting of attorneys senior Tucker Schibler, junior Zachary Becker, and sophomore Derek Moore, alongside witnesses senior Harry Fantaci, senior Christian Smith, and sophomore Grant Carroll, emerged victorious from the preliminary rounds by defeating teams from Fontainebleau High School and Haynes Academy. The team members’ exceptional performance propelled them into the final round, where they triumphed over Louise McGehee School and secured their place in the state championship scheduled for March 23 at the federal courthouse in Baton Rouge.

Jesuit’s Team White was made up of attorneys sophomore Ben Farmer, sophomore Christopher Juge, and sophomore Everett Kramer, with witnesses sophomore Aidan McKoin, pre-freshman Charles Juge, and pre-freshman Lodovico Vignes. Team White did not advance, but its members competed with commendable skill and determination against teams from Haynes and Chapelle.

The individual talents of Jesuit’s mock trial participants were also recognized with Derek Moore receiving the tournament’s Best Attorney award and Harry Fantaci being named Best Witness for the second consecutive year.

The journey to this point has not been without its challenges. Coach Brett Wise ’82 praised Team Brown’s dedication: “The team had a lot of ground to cover in a short period of time. They did really well and are working hard to get ready for the state competition.” Alongside Wise, the team benefits from the expertise of esteemed alumni coaches Mike Mentz ’74, Nick Mole ’01, and Jordan Lacoste ’14, whose guidance has been instrumental in preparing the students for success.

As Jesuit’s Team Brown advances to the state championship, its members’ achievement is a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence in co-curricular endeavors. The Jesuit community eagerly anticipates their performance at the state level, confident in their ability to represent Jesuit’s values and spirit.