Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • February 25, 2009 FLOW Area Indian Hills team wins Mock Trial Championship by Frank J. McMahon The Indian Hills High School Mock Trial Team recently won the 2009 Bergen County Mock Trial Competition Championship at the Bergen County Courthouse, defeating Bergen Catholic High School. The competition took place earlier this month, and the trial was presided over by the Honorable Harry Carroll, Presiding Judge, Superior Court, Criminal Part, and Superior Court Judge Brian Martinotti. The Indian Hills students were coached by Indian Hills High School teacher Ivy Urdang and advised by Oakland attorney Linda Schwager. Urdang explained that the competition involves students throughout the state trying a mock case, written by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, in competition against other high schools at local county courthouses. She explained that the students play the role of attorneys and they must determine which evidence to use and how to use it, write and conduct the direct and cross-examination of witnesses, and write and deliver opening and closing statements. Students also play the roles of witnesses, who must both act in the character of the wit- Ivy Urdang (right) and legal advisor Attorney Linda Schwager(left), with their students, after ness and thoroughly know winning the 2009 Bergen County Mock Trial Championship Competition. the witness’ information, in The team, composed of two seniors, Zina Model and order to respond accurately to the direct and cross-examiRachel Frank, and underclassmen Katie Hertel, Tess McKnation by the student attorneys. Urdang explained that this year’s case was a civil action enna, Michael Conte, Brigitte Carroll, Gwen Mowell, Dylan against a high school senior for illegally downloading and Guss, Angela Pangiotopolous, Bridget Gilleran, and Justin sharing music files, in violation of the Digital Millennium Surgent, remained undefeated throughout the competition Copyright Act, and the students represented the record- as they competed against Hasbrouck Heights, Saint Mary’s ing industry as the plaintiff and the accused student as the High School of Rutherford, and Academies at Englewood in the first round, the Bergen Academies in the quarterdefendant. The team was recently recognized by the Ramapo Indian finals, and Don Bosco in the semi-finals. Four of the students on the team are in the school disHills Board of Education at a public meeting at which time Urdang told the board, “They really have earned this trict’s University Program in International Studies and trophy. I’m very proud of them,” and Sadie Quinlan, the Business and one is in the University Program in Informaschool board president added, “You have made our entire tion Technology, but the team is open to all Indian district proud.” (continued on page 22) CAN’T WAIT FOR SPRING? SPRING LANDSCAPE PROJECTS Pre Season Pricing in Effect Now is the right time to start plans on your Then Don’t! Weeping Pine Nursery ���������� ��������������� ����������������� ������������������ ������������������������� ���������������� ����������������� ������������������ Free ��������������� No Obligation Est. & Design ��������������� �������������������� ����������� ���������������� ������������ ee fr