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QC03262015

FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com MARCH 26, 2015 • KIDS & EDUCATION • THE QUEENS COURIER 3 Holy Cross MoCk Trial TeaM advanCes in TournaMenT Holy Cross students advanced to Round 4 in the elimination series of the 2015 Mock Trial Tournament after competing against Queens Vocational and Technical High School and Flushing High School. As the second highest scoring team in the first two rounds, Holy Cross earned a buy and will compete against John Bowne High School on April 14th at Queens Supreme Court. The four winners of that round will advance to the Regional Competition in Manhattan. Their goal: Albany for the State Finals. The New York Statewide High School Mock Trial Program is a joint venture of the New York Bar Foundation, the New York State Bar Association and the Law, Youth & Citizenship Program. It provides high school students the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of civil/criminal law and courtroom procedures. Students, under the guidance and assistance of an attorney advisor and teacher coach, prepare for the competition using a modified set of formal trial procedures, prepare a team strategy and develop their various roles as attorneys and witnesses. The team members must enhance their critical reasoning skills, their listening skills, and their ability to “think on their feet” as they are judged on their case presentation, ability to follow courtroom procedures and their professional decorum. Tom Pugh, former Holy Cross High School football coach, and Walter Malecki, a former faculty member, brought the program to Holy Cross High School in 1980. According to Pugh, in addition to the juniors and seniors who usually participate in the competition, this year’s team is also showcasing a couple of standout sophomores. “This is a great team, very intelligent, focused and committed. They have really taken the ball and run with it. I’m very proud of this group representing Holy Cross High School.” He noted that many of his former students have successful law careers as a result of their experience in the Mock Trial competition. “There is no doubt that Holy Cross Mock Trial Team (l-r) Seated: Nabil Tavarez ’16, Talles Moreira ’15, Joseph Leuthner ’15; Standing: Joseph Lombardi ’16, Brian Lavelle ’15, Joshua Santis ’17, Fareed Asgar ’15, Daniel Bosko ’17, Kyle Hilgendorf ’17, Nicholas Medina ’16. the skills they hone in these competitions will help them excel in whatever field they pursue. It builds character and confidence, and they receive feedback, not just from their teachers, but from highly respected attorneys who counsel them on ways to improve their presentation. And it’s a team effort, no lone wolves.” This is the second year for senior Talles Moreira, who juggles the Mock Trial competition with his other activities including football, soccer, basketball and volleyball. “It has been a great experience, working as a team, manipulating the facts of the case to make it compelling,” he remarked. When not rehearsing their case at school they travel to Kew Gardens, meeting with Senior Assistant District Attorney Debra Pomodore, their attorney advisor, who has been coaching the team since 2005. “Debra is very committed to our team. She points out our weaknesses and strengths, and, after we audition, chooses the role each of us plays to make sure we put the best team forward to represent Holy Cross,” said Moreira. “Even when Debra is very busy on a case she finds time to help us. One night she and I were face timing until midnight, preparing my closing argument for the next day. But we won, so I suppose it was worth the effort,” he added with a grin. walking • learning • talking • behaving • playing HASC subsidiary We’re celebrating a new beginning! MKSA LLC formerly Marion K. Salomon & Associates, Inc. Early Intervention services is now part of the HASC family! Same caring, dedicated professionals… Same high level of quality services! Call MKSA if your child is not doing what other kids the same age are doing. Ask questions…and get answers. 718-631-1110 or 888-239-0468 (Queens & Brooklyn) Pediatric therapists wanted! Apply online at www.mksallc.com Reference WEB ID QBC101 www.mksallc.c com info@mksallc.com com The Early Intervention Program is funded and regulated by the NYS Department of Health and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Services are provided at no out-of-pocket cost to families for children birth to age 3 who meet eligibility guidelines. sleeping • asking • pointing • eating • listening A fun and flexible summer program for children entering grades Pre-K to 8! Summer at Kew-Forest! June 29 - August 14 Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Come to our Open House! Sunday, April 12th, 2015 12:00 - 2:00 pm After April 12th, please call the summer office to schedule a tour. FREE PARKING AND REFRESHMENTS! Get a headstart on September when you register for Morning Academics or Combo Camp! Featuring: Academic and Recreational Options Full-Day and Half-Day Programs; Before and After-Camp Care (7:30 am- 6 pm) Registration by the day, week, or for the full 7-WEEK session! Available Classes: Musical Theatre, Hands-on Science, Sports, Martial Arts, Cooking, Arts and Crafts, Computer Lab, Swimming, Field Trips and More! The Kew-Forest School, 119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills, NY 11375 Phone: (718) 268-4667 ext. 108 Email: summer@kewforest.org Website: www.kewforest.org


QC03262015
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