The Gray Stone Day School Mock Trial team competed in the Yale Mock Trial Bulldog Invitational Sept. 14-15.
This annual invitational is designed to bring together the nation’s best mock trial teams and foster a better understanding of and appreciation for mock trial.
Gray Stone competed against 26 teams from across the nation, engaging in trial simulations showcasing their critical thinking and public speaking skills.
Kinley Burleson tied for second place, earning an attorney award, while Brinley Goodman tied for fourth place and earned a best witness award.
“Although this is a rebuilding year for Mock Trial, I am incredibly proud of this team for their dedication and preparing for this tournament after school, during lunch and even during flex periods. I am excited about their ability to be competitive in future tournaments,” said Olivia Petersen, team coach.
“Competing at Yale was extraordinary,” Polly Nantz added. “From hours of hard work and practice to actually competing against other teams, the overall experience was engaging for our team as a whole. Personally, my favorite part of the trip was growing closer with my team. Whether it be literally running to get lunch between rounds across the charming campus, giving the van driver a headache with our constant chatting as we zoomed to and from the airport, or playing games after competing that we argued over just as if we were attorneys, our team truly became unified during this time. I am so grateful to be a part of this family that always supports each other no matter what.”
The team consists of Kinley Burleson, Bladen Goodman, Brinley Goodman, Nathan Marcoccia, Addison McGuire, Polly Nantz and Albert Saysombath.