Kent Place Mock Trial Team Crowned Union County Champions

Kent Place’s Mock Trial team has been crowned Union County Champions after an exciting final round on February 19 at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

After securing victories in the first two rounds of competition, Kent Place’s defense team faced Oratory Preparatory School for the championship. 

Representing the defense in the final round were “attorneys” Jacquelyn Reig ’26 and Soon Min Pearlman ’29, with “witnesses” Cecília Hirawat ’26, Emily Foerster ’27, and Mariana Pirez Ramirez ’26. Their preparation, teamwork, and composure in the courtroom were on full display as they responded thoughtfully to questioning and presented a cohesive, strategic case.

Kent Place’s prosecution team also played a critical role in the program’s success this season. In earlier competitions, “attorneys” Lorelei Gustafson-Johnson ’26 and Krisana Manglani ’28, with “witnesses” Mia Ramos ’26, Priyana Manglani ’27, and Allison Ameo ’26, delivered strong performances that helped propel the team forward.

Patricia Carleton, Upper School History teacher, is the team advisor, and John Garde P ’19 volunteers as attorney coach, bringing real-world legal insight to the team’s preparation.

“Last night’s competition was a culmination of months of hard work from every member of our team,” says Jacquelyn, a captain. “The team, with the invaluable guidance of Mr. Garde and Ms. Carleton, put everything into preparing for the competition, and watching that dedication translate into yesterday’s success was so rewarding.”

“I’m extremely proud of the time, effort, and skill our team brings to every Friday-afternoon and Saturday-morning practice, as well as in competition,” says Lorelei, another captain. “Jacquelyn and I are so grateful for our incredible group this year. We are all excited to be the Union County Champions! As always, mock on!”

The full Kent Place team comprises Amirah Ali ’27, Allison Ameo ’26, Elise Ardayfio ’29, Zoe Campbell ’28, Emma Cardoso ’27, Sophia DeFoe ’27, Austen Fiala ’28, Rebecca Finkel ’28, Emily Foerster ’27, Angie Ge ’28, Harli Glatt ’28, Alisha Gupta ’28, Lorelei Gustafson-Johnson ’26, Cecília Hirawat ’26, Amelia Ing ’27, Sahana Kulasekaran ’28, Richa Malpani ’29, Riya Malpani ’27, Krisana Manglani ’28, Priyana Manglani ’27, Sophia Marsheh ’29, Grayson Materne ’28, Ani Mendieta-Frost ’26, Ananya Mittal ’29, Lillian Mon ’28, Ana Monteiro ’27, Mira Nirula ’29, Tara Nirula ’27, Eva Obalde ’29, Soon Min Pearlman ’29, Mariana Pirez Ramirez ’26, Mia Ramos ’26, Jacquelyn Reig ’26, Siya Sharma ’29, Isabella Urgilez ’29, Vivienne Vengroff ’27, and Serena Wang ’29.

With the Union County title secured, Kent Place now advances to the regionals, on February 26. We look forward to cheering on our student attorneys and witnesses as they continue their impressive run.