After a weekend of tough competition, Columbia’s team 514 emerged victorious and came in FIRST PLACE at the Opening Round Championship Site tournament in White Plains, New York! 514 had a record of seven wins and only one loss, which earned them a bid to the National Championship Tournament held in Memphis, TN in April. Team 515 fought valiently and courageously against some of the site’s toughest competitors: two of the teams they played placed in the top six and earned a bid to nationals, and another team had won the 2008 National Championship. 515 unfortunately did not gain a bid to Nationals, but “DXV” ended their season with a proud feeling of success for their outstanding performance and tireless effort in rounds against the nation’s best teams. Special recognition to Miranda Nowak for earning an “Outstanding Witness Award,” as well as to her directing attorney Stephanie Krent for her “Outstanding Attorney Award.”
515 was not the only Columbia team with a dynamite duo, however. 514’s Shana Khniznik won an “Outstanding Attorney Award” on both sides of the case, and her paired witness, Brandon Lewis, won an “Outstanding Witness Award” on both sides as well. Additionally, Leah Rosenberg won an “Outstanding Witness Award” for her portrayal of Shannon Stark, and her directing attorney, Mario Gabriele, won an “Outstanding Attorney Award”! Congratulations to ALL members of Columbia Mock Trial for an especially difficult and well-fought weekend, and good luck to 514 in their quest to win the National Championship!