Editor's Note: Ridgefield's HamletHub is excited to bring a new perspective to our site in 2014. We will be working with local teens to get a first-hand feel of what it is like to be young and involved in Ridgefield. These teens will give us updates on their events, opinions on town and school policies, insight into their world and a "new perspective of Ridgefield."
We can always learn from the next generation and these teens will definitely have something interesting to say.
So, with that said, HamletHub is proud to introduce, Oliver Jones: I am a junior at Ridgefield High School, and I describe myself as a Student-Athlete. I am a varsity football player and varsity sprinter for the track team. However, I like to be defined most as an honor roll student, a varsity debater who made States as a sophomore, an A team member of Mock Trial, and a senator on student government. I am particularly interested in politics and international relations, and I enjoy having discussions and learning from people no matter what age or background. I look forward to having people read what I write, and I can't wait to learn from this.
In his own words...
After three long months of preparation, Ridgefield High School's Mock Trial A and B teams advanced. It is the first time in Ridgefield High School history that both A and B teams went undefeated, a requirement in order for the teams to make the next round. This great success came with the help of established veterans, but also with the help of newcomers, something that is not often seen in Connecticut State Mock Trial.
"In the courtroom, it's anybody's game. That sort of meritocracy is responsible for our success this year, and that's why many newcomers and I could play a significant role for the A team," said James Barile, a strong new addition. While the great accomplishment of both teams' advancing is certainly being enjoyed and celebrated, both teams immediately went back to work, as the next round comes on January 28th. "I'm so proud of our team this year. We did a great job at our first competition. Now we will analyze our weaknesses, correct any problems, and do an even better job at the next competition," Captain Colleen Gruendel said.
We wish them the best of luck!
Background on Mock Trail at Ridgefield High School:
Ridgefield Mock Trial started in the 1980s. Ms. Katherine Gabbay, an English teacher at RHS, is the head coach, who took over from Jean Gaumer in 1996. Ms. Gabbay selects three to four captains before school starts each year. This year, the captains are Chad Ballard, Laura Franklin, Sarah Baer, and Colleen Gruendel. There is an audition process for getting selected, in which Ms. Gabbay and the captains must find the 24 best out of around 75 who try out.
The 24 must be divided between A and B teams, lawyer and witness, prosecution and defense. Those who are chosen are then given a packet, in which affidavits, state laws, objections, and court procedures are provided. Once lawyer-witness pairs are decided, the writing begins.
This writing would be nearly impossible without the help of trial attorney Lawrence Reilly, a mentor to us all. There are openings, direct examinations, cross examinations, and closings that are prepared by lawyers and witnesses working together. Then lawyers and witnesses work on memorizing until the trial comes. But no matter how much we prepare, there is always a curveball.
As Mr. Reilly said to us, "There is a saying in the military that almost always applies to trials: No plan survives first contact with the enemy. You can be completely memorized, and then encounter a witness who gives unexpected answers, or a judge that rules in some crazy way that you did not anticipate. The best teams are memorized AND relaxed, open, and attentive to see crazy changes by the judge/opponent, and adjust accordingly." The best teams are not the ones who are the most memorized, but the most prepared, and those who fail to see the difference are the ones who lose in the first round.