Merion Mercy’s Mock Trial Gold 1 Team Named 2026 District Champion

In beating Strath Haven High School’s Team 1, Merion Mercy Academy’s Mock Trial Gold 1 team has claimed the title of District Champion, which they have won eight times since 2016. The team now advances to the regional competition, where they will face the district champions from Bucks and Chester counties in the coming week. The regional winner will move on to the state championship. 

Mock Trial is a statewide competition organized by the Pennsylvania Bar Association in which students analyze a complex case file containing legal documents, witness statements, and exhibits, and then develop and present a legal argument. Teams argue their cases before a real judge and compete head-to-head against another school. Points are awarded based on the strength of the legal argument, the effectiveness of attorneys and witnesses, and the overall performance of the team. Professional judges and attorneys volunteer their time to evaluate each round.

A popular activity at Merion Mercy, the program includes three teams: Gold 1, Gold 2, and Blue. Gold 1’s journey to the district championship included four rounds of competition, defeating The Shipley School Team 1, Ridley High School Team 1, and Strath Haven High School Team 2, while splitting one round with Strath Haven along the way.

Gold 1 team members are:

Shayla Adams ‘26, Giovanna Girardi ‘27*, Sophia Leuzzi ‘27*, Willow Matthews ‘28*, Allison Mazur ‘27, Lyla Otis ‘27, Caroline Perlick ‘27, Angelina Qualtiere ‘29*, Colette Remy ‘26, Emily Smith ‘26, Maggie White ‘27*, and Nicolette Whitehawk ‘27*.

*Competed in the final district competition.

In addition to winning the final district round, Giovanna and Willow earned Best Advocate and Best Witness honors, respectively. Willow also received Best Witness at January’s Benjamin Franklin Invitational Mock Trial Tournament at the University of Pennsylvania, where all three Merion Mercy teams competed. Additional MMA awardees at that tournament included Nicolette Whitehawk, Outstanding Attorney (with a perfect score), and Colette Remy, Outstanding Attorney—her third time receiving the distinction.

Gold 1 is coached by Social Studies teacher Charles Jordan and attorney John Dougherty, Esq., partner at Gerolamo, McNulty Divis & Lewbart, P.C. and husband of alumna Jackie Caserta ’03.

With strong advocacy, careful preparation, and impressive poise in the courtroom, the Gold 1 team continues Merion Mercy’s proud Mock Trial tradition. As they head into regional competition, they carry not only the district title but also the determination and teamwork that have defined their success this season.