In a season already rich with achievement, Mendham High School’s Mock Trial team adds yet another chapter to its renowned legacy. Following a string of victories at the New Jersey Law Center, the team earned an invitation to the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix, Arizona. This was Mendham’s seventh trip to nationals!
The final round of the New Jersey State Mock Trial Championship took place on March 26th at the New Jersey Law Center. Mendham faced off against longtime rival Mainland Regional High School in a match that would decide who would represent the state at the national level. The plaintiff team, having already secured a key win in the semifinals, delivered what many described as a near-flawless performance in the final, with sharper cross-examinations, stronger direct testimony, seamless objection handling, and confident closing arguments.
Though they did not leave the state final with the official title, the Mendham plaintiff team delivered an impressive performance recognized by nearly everyone in the courtroom. Their techniques, objections, and presence on both direct and cross examinations were regarded as exceptional. “At the end of the trial, nearly everyone in the courtroom firmly believed that Mendham was the winner,” said plaintiff attorney and team co-captain Ryan Smith. “There was no hesitation regarding who had outperformed.”
That belief, however, was not reflected in the final ruling, when Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court Stuart Rabner and Passaic County judge Marilyn Clark delivered a decision in favor of Mainland.
“I felt like our team performed very well – definitely one of our strongest trials of the year,” said Mr. Eric Heditsch, longtime advisor to Mendham Mock. “I really don’t know what else we could have done. Unfortunately, in mock trial, it’s difficult to know exactly how the judges perceive what is happening in the courtroom. Mainland was a very strong opponent, and it was truly a championship-level battle, but our team was disappointed that we didn’t get the call.” Though the judges awarded the final to Mainland Regional, their team was unable to attend nationals due to insufficient numbers. As a result, Mendham, the runner-up with a full and prepared roster, was officially selected to represent New Jersey, an opportunity that many on the team feel reflects the strength of their performance.
Their journey to that point was already historic. This winter, Mendham claimed its 20th consecutive county title, defeating Delbarton School in the finals at the historic Morris County Courthouse and reaching the milestone of 100 consecutive county wins. With a roster that featured multiple first-time competitors, the team’s success went beyond titles, demonstrating rapid development and drive.
“This has been one of the most rewarding seasons of Mendham Mock,” said Mr. Heditsch. “We had four attorneys with no attorney experience, and six witnesses, all in their first year as well, and we not only won our county and region, but made it all the way to the state championship. Our initial goal every year is to compete for that county title and try to extend the county title streak—reaching number 20 this year reflects the talents and hard work of our students, and speaks for itself in terms of our team’s legacy.”
With the pressure of county titles and state legacy behind them, the team focused on sharpening their arguments, mastering the case facts, and representing New Jersey on a national stage, where they competed against the top teams from every state.
Piacenti, a four-year team member, credits much of their success to strong bonds and consistent effort. “I actually look forward to running case procedures for hours because of them,” she said. “To keep our bonds strong, we organize regular ‘mock bondings’—playing Jackbox, hanging at Ryan’s house, or roasting marshmallows in my fire pit.”
She emphasized that individual preparation is just as critical as group practice. “Even though we meet six days a week, Mock success depends heavily on individual effort,” she said, including writing arguments, memorizing affidavits, and building timelines. “It means we spend less time on paperwork and more time solving problems.”
“Without Ryan, our brilliant attorneys and witnesses, and our amazing coaches—Mr. Heditsch and Mr. Connelly—there would [not have been] a 2025 state run, and no shot at Nationals,” she wrote.
After six weeks of intensive preparation, the team traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, for the four-day National High School Mock Trial Championship, held from Wednesday, May 7 to Sunday, May 11. “The case was far more extensive than New Jersey’s,” says Smith. “It was nearly four times the length and complexity of the state case, and we had only a quarter of the time to memorize and develop our strategy.” The fictional scenario revolved around the attempted homicide and first-degree murder of an investigative journalist by a real estate mogul and crime podcast host, drawing intentional parallels to the real-life 1976 murder of journalist Don Bolles.
Mendham delivered a strong performance, finishing 2–2. Even in the two losses, the team fell short by only “single-digit margins” (out of a possible 420 points), demonstrating the closeness of each round. Mendham ultimately placed 25th out of 48 teams, though many on the team felt their performance exceeded what the rankings reflected. “We had a lot of fun in Phoenix,” Smith continues, “and developed immensely, both as a team and as individuals in the field of law.”
The team saw many individual successes during nationals, with co-captain Olivia Piacenti honored as one of just ten participants across the country to receive the prestigious Outstanding Witness award. Individual recognitions also included three Star Attorney awards for Smith, two Star Witness awards, and one Star Attorney Award for Piacenti, and Star Witness awards for Julia Sun and Kira Mandel.
As seniors Caroline Ziegler, Ryan Smith, and Olivia Piacenti prepare to graduate, the team looks ahead with confidence. A strong core of returning members stands ready to carry on Mendham’s legacy, and the team is eager to welcome new talent in the fall. Students interested in developing their skills in law, public speaking, and high-level competition are encouraged to try out.
The team also acknowledged the exceptional guidance of Mr. Heditsch and Mr. Connolly, who have led the program for well over 20 years. Their leadership, mentorship, and commitment continue to shape the team’s success. “Our accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without them,” Smith emphasized. They’ve built a program that’s not only competitive, but collaborative, preparing every student for both college and life beyond.” The team is especially grateful for the school administration’s support in sending them to both the state and national competitions, a gesture reaffirming the value Mendham places on its student leaders and academic teams.
