The Penn-Trafford High School Mock Trial Team advanced to the state competition following a strong performance at the Regional Finals and State Qualifier held March 14 at the Washington County Courthouse.
The team competed against Altoona and Ringgold High Schools, presenting a well-prepared defense case marked by clear arguments and effective witness testimony.
Two students earned top individual honors in both rounds of competition. Adithri Pingali was recognized as Best Advocate, while Aryavikram Pingali received Best Witness.
Teacher and coach Mrs. Christina Wukich praised the team’s accomplishment, noting its growth throughout the season. “This is a very young team with four brand new lawyers. They have been putting forth the effort to grow, and they have showcased their mastery of the material in a remarkable way. I am so proud to coach them,” Wukich said.
With this regional success, the Penn-Trafford Mock Trial Team will advance to the state competition on March 27-28 in Harrisburg.
The Mock Trial team assembles in the Washington County Courthouse; Chloe Stack, Cody Adamson, Seolri Yun, Graydon Swartz, Nathaniel Casey, Giabella Smith, Riley Joyce, Benjamin Wei, Cienna Oien, Adithri Pingali, Aryavikram Pingali, Liam McCabe, Owen Slacker, Madison Barton, and Judah Terpstra
Senior Adithri Pingali was named as Best Advocate, and 9th-grader Aryavikram Pingali received Best Witness recognition