For the past four years, Severn and Severna Park have competed against each other for the Circuit 5 Championship spot to advance to the Regionals as one of the state’s "Elite Eight." The two schools have taken turns. In 2007, Severn moved ahead to win the State Championship, and in 2008, Severna Park did the same. In 2009, Severn beat Severna Park and placed second in the state after falling to Allegany High School in that year's state championship; and in 2010 Severna Park won their second state championship.

Now, it's Severn's turn.

A win last Thursday against Severna Park was sweet. Severn’s defense team argued its case against Severna Park's plaintiff team almost flawlessly, according to Susan Jackson, one of the team’s coaches.

In this year's case, the Spangler family (Faith Ruppert '14) is suing Tyne Lechter (Jonathan Dean '11) and his teenage daughter (Boo Devanny '13) for negligence which, they allege, resulted in the serious injury of their child Sam. The plaintiff seeks damages in the amount of $6 million dollars. Each year the case materials created by Maryland’s Citizenship Law Related Education Program focus on issues that are relevant to today's teens. This year is no different; the issue involves teenage drinking and driving.

This year's winning team includes student attorneys Natalie Peelish '12, Reilly Dunn '12, Chris Byrns '12, Courtney Richeson '11, Tori Richardson '11, and Catherine Darden '11. Witnesses are Boo Devanny '13, Colin Flynn '13, and Jonathan Dean '11, Faith Ruppert '14, Andrew Sharp '14, and Haider Bashir '11. Caroline Schaeffer '12 serves as the team’s alternate attorney/witness.

The team is coached by teachers Susan Jackson and Janet Fort. Severn's lead attorney coach, Judge Michael Wachs, has been working with the team since 2007 when he led Severn Mock Trial to its first state championship. Others who have been a big help to this year's team include attorneys Kevin Schaeffer, David Myers, and Deborah Luzietti-Myers.

Next week's regional competition will be held on Wednesday, April 6, at 4:30 pm at the circuit court house in Ellicott City. Severn will be competing as defense against Richard Montgomery High School. Go team!

by Susan Jackson