Case closed: LvHS mock trial 11th in state!

By: Talia Marchewka '22

Features Editor

A big congratulations to our very own mock trial team as they not only won the Los Angeles County Mock Trial Championship this past November but also went to compete in the California State Championship, and out of 350 high schools, they came in 11th! This team has been working extremely hard since last September and ended this year victorious under the guidance of the one and only Mr. Telesca. Special recognition goes to seniors Lily Davoren, McKenna Dixon, and Emily Hurtado, who were each awarded Most Valuable Participants.

Senior defense attorney Stella Rose, reflects on her time with her team as mock trial comes to an end:

“Before Mock Trial, the words 'hearsay' and 'unfair extrapolation' really had no meaning to me, nor did the importance of the justice system. But under Mr. Telesca’s guidance and encouragement, I jumped in headfirst to the world of mock trial as a defense attorney."

Stella not only argued on behalf of her client’s innocence but cross-examined those testifying against her. She always made sure that she “always had the last word in [her] closing argument and rebuttal”.

Stella Rose ’21 continues, “While this experience certainly helped me understand the importance of advocating for others, presenting logical arguments in front of a judge, and what “hearsay” and “unfair extrapolation” meant, it more importantly deepened my admiration for my Louisville community. It gave me a group of friends I may not have grown close with otherwise. As well as a friendship with the ‘prince of darkness,’ Mr. Telesca. The experience was rewarding, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Prosecution attorney Mckenna Dixon also reflects on the completion of her final years at Louisville:

“Never could I have possibly imagined such a challenging yet unimaginably rewarding opportunity to complete my senior year at Louisville. Competing in Mock Trial over Zoom during the 2020-2021 season with Mr. (and the occasional “Judge”) Telesca as our compassionate, witty, and humble mentor taught us the fundamentals of a trial, strategic thinking, etiquette, and the value of preparation combined with confidence.”

For a memorable year of hard work and self improvement, Mckenna comments how she could not have done it without without Mr. Telesca.

“A true embodiment of justice, Mr. Telesca lead a team that gained a true understanding of fairness and worked hard together while enjoying every second of it. I am forever thankful for Mr. Telesca’s ability to cultivate a familial environment that has offered us new long-lasting friendships, even online, and towards the end of our high school careers” said, Senior McKenna Dixon

She says she loves how every part of her team has something to contribute and how she will cherish all of her memories with them such as their “trial-related meme sharing within the group chat, referring to teammates as ‘co-counsel,’ late night closing argument revision sessions, exchanging genuine smiles and stories during our online Christmas party. Our sappy recaps after every trial, or crying tears of joy following our successful LA County Championship round as the squeals of immense pride rung throughout the halls.

After a long day of school, she feels accomplished knowing that she “learned far more than we did at the beginning of the day.” As she says goodbye, she shares her gratitude towards the one and only Mr. Telesca one last time.

“Participating as an attorney on the Mock Trial Team taught me how to be sensibly spontaneous, poised, and adaptable. I could not be prouder of every one of the team members, including Mr. Telesca, for their dedication to making each of us feel supported. We found ourselves striving to be better, not only to advance in the competition, but for each other. This team and this experience holds a special place in my heart, and I could not be more grateful to have been involved” Mckenna Dixon ‘21

A team is not a team without its coach, and the guidance of Mr. Telesca has given our students the opportunity to shine not only in the classroom, but in an actual courtroom. Since 1983, Mr. Telesca has been a part of the Louisville faculty.

Under Mr. Telesca, Louisville's Mock Trial team has won the Los Angeles County Senior Division Championship nine times: '92, '94, '98, '00, '04, '07, '09 and '13. Louisville won the California State Mock Trial Championship in 1993.

Mr. Telesca shares his love for his team: “I have been involved with the Louisville Mock Trial program for many, many years. I think that Lincoln was president when I started. Coaching the team has profoundly impacted my time at Louisville. I have been blessed with being able to work with some of the most amazing students that any coach could ever hope for. It is especially gratifying, year after year, to see young women begin the process of preparing a case, not really knowing anything about the law, and then to watch them evolve and grow into skilled and powerful female advocates in the courtroom.

Our team this year was particularly wonderful to work with. The kids were tireless, funny, supportive of each other, and laughed at almost half of my jokes. I think that what distinguished the team this year was that the students demonstrated both a profound understanding of the law, and were also amazing actresses and story-tellers. I cherished every minute with the team this year, and couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Another Congratulations to the mock trial team and to the seniors for doing so well their last year. To many more years of success!