MONROE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
Monroe Legal Reporter
913 Main Street – Stroudsburg, PA 18360 – Monroebar.org
570.424.7288
570.424.8234 (Fax)
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: MONROE COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
DATE: March 10, 2017
Abington Heights Takes Regional Mock Trial Title Over Pocono Mountain East
Stroudsburg, PA – Abington Heights heads onto State Mock Trials after defeating Pocono Mountain East High School in a heated March 9 Regional Competition hosted by Monroe County Bar Associationat Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg. Arguably an intriguing battle of witsover the hypothetical case of arson, held a captive audience in Courtroom One.
Students portraying prosecution and defense attorneys, along with witnesses and a defendant, stood before the Honorable Judge David Williamson and a jury comprised of MCBA legal professionals. Determining a winner based on the team’s ability to prepare their case, present arguments and follow court rules, Abington took the title following jury deliberation.
Pausing to applause one another, both teams awarded Best Advocate and Best Witness honors to the other with Abington’s Anna Moher and Alex Klucher, then East’s Michael Medaugh and Christian Bethea receiving recognition.
While only one team could claim victory, all seized top attention illustrating dedication, professionalism and the art of persuasion with Monroe County Court of Common Pleas Judge and 30-year Mock Trial coordinator Jonathan Mark applauding, while reminding, “Now stop and smell the roses and have some fun.”
Pointing out the “Cross Sections of Society” that took part in making Mock Trials possible from legal professionals, advisors, and courthouse coordinators; to parents who’ve devoted time and support for participants’ pursuit in the unique opportunity, he stressed, “Think of how difficult it is to do the Mock Trials.”
Encouraging with a smile alongside fellow coordinator Magisterial District Judge Michael Muth to continue career aspirations that may have risen by the experience, he noted with a smile, “Most colleges have teams.”
Follow facts and find more information as Abington Heights makes a mark for the region in the 2017 Statewide Mock Trial Competition by visiting Young Lawyers Division pages on the PBA website at
Photo cutlines:
Abington Heights’s team takes Regional Mock Trial Competition March 9 (front l to r) Keonei Mahoney, Anna Moher, Clare Della Vaue, Ally Soncampbell, Lucy Specht, Nina Sampogne, (back r to l) Eliezer Caminerr, Thomas Yocum, Alex Klucher, Neel Mehta, Dan Cummins, Andrew Kirtley
Pocono Mountain East High School PMSD Teacher Advisor Maria Bras-Danges, Jane Fiore, Christian Bethea, Michael Olsen, Marco Polimeau, Michael Medaugh, Madeline Walsh, Dustan Thompson,Monroe County Bar Association Professional Advisor Ryan Campbell
For further comment:
Denise M. Burdge
Executive Director
Monroe County Bar Association
913 Main Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
570.424.7288
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