Mount Saint Mary’s Mock Trial team took to the courtroom Feb. 24-25 as part of the 2018 American Mock Trial Association regional competition, and left with two major awards.
Emely Reardon ’19 took home both a Best Attorney and Best Witness award at the event hosted at Pomona College. Reardon, a political science/global politics double major and pre-law minor, stood out in competition that included more than 250 students from schools such as UCLA, USC, Arizona State, the University of Arizona, San Diego State and more.
The win marked Reardon’s third Best Witness award and first Best Attorney Award. Reardon’s victories were made possible by the support of teammates including Carsie Mendoza ’20, who served as Reardon’s “attorney,” and Elizabeth Ayala ’21, who was Reardon’s “witness.”
“I could not be prouder of the 2018 Mock Trial team,” says Helen Boutrous, PhD, Mock Trial coach and chair of history and political science at MSMU. “This was supposed to be a rebuilding year as most of our team members were competing for the very first time.”
Instead, the team came together to produce a strong showing under the leadership of Reardon, who is also the team’s captain. Two other veterans of the Mount’ Mock Trial club also returned to help coach and mentor this year’s young team — Nicole Riesgo ’05 and Viridiana Aceves ‘14.
“Emely's double victory as Best Attorney and Best Witness is a testament to the hard work and support of the entire team and our alumnae coaches,” Boutrous said.