Freeport high school’s mock trial team earns competition accolades.

With 23 teams competing, Freeport High School’s Mock Trial team finished among the top four in competition Nov. 16.

Defending state champion Cape Elizabeth defeated Freeport in the event quarterfinals, held at Cumberland County Superior Court. Social studies teacher Karen Massey, who coaches the group along with volunteer attorney coach Bill Browder, said that the competition against Cape Elizabeth was close.

“The judge said at the end that no one ran away with this,” Massey said. “These kids were awesome they really were.”

Massey said the Freeport and Cape Elizabeth teams argued a manslaughter case, in which a teenager was texting while driving. Each side presented three witnesses, including cross-examination, and then switched sides. Each trial took two hours, Massey said.

“They’re really pleased with what they’ve accomplished,” Massey said of the team.

The 23 teams from across the state began the competition last month.

Freeport’s team includes 13 students this year: Lauren Carter, Dalton Chapman, Abigail Gray, Fiona Harbert, Emily Jennings, Elizabeth Kolle, Lily Lamarre, Katelyn O’Neil, Ethan Pierce, Ethan Roney, Daniel Sinclair, Austin Williams and Michael Williams.

– Larry Grard

The Freeport High School Mock Trial Team reached the quarterfinals of state competition this year. Pictured in front, from left, are Dalton Chapman, Daniel Sinclair, Fiona Harbert, Lily LaMarre and Abby Gray. In back are Ethan Roney, Lily Kolle, Ethan Pierce, teacher Karen Massey, adviser Bill Browder, Katie O’Neil, Lauren Carter and Mikey Willliams.