Senate Resolution No. 2595

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Augustine Classical Academy upon the
occasion of winning the New York State Bar
Association Mock Trial Competition on May 21, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those young people who, by achieving outstanding success
in educational competition, have inspired and brought pride to our
majestic Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Augustine Classical Academy upon the occasion of winning the New
York State Bar Association Mock Trial Competition on Tuesday, May 21,
2024; and

WHEREAS, The statewide program involves thousands of New York high
school students competing at the local, county, and regional levels; the
eight regional champions compete over two days in Albany each May; the
top two teams face off in the final match held at the James T. Foley
Federal Courthouse in Albany; and

WHEREAS, Augustine Classical Academy, a small Saratoga County
Christian school, bested an impressive prosecution put on by Clarence
High School from Erie County to win the New York State Bar Association
Mock Trial Competition; and

WHEREAS, The fictional criminal case, "the People of the State of
Nivana v. Lindsay Gordon," involved a business owner charged with 3rd
degree Arson following the destruction of her business, Gordon Paint
Supplies; the mock criminal investigation revealed that Gordon was in
debt and facing bankruptcy while also maintaining a $2 million insurance
policy on the business; and

WHEREAS, The courtroom was filled to capacity with students, parents
and advisers watching the final match as the defense team used a
strategy focusing on tearing apart the arson investigation and attacking
the credibility of its investigator; the defense also focused on a
disgruntled former employee, as a potential suspect in the crime;
Lindsay Gordon's attorney accused the investigator of confirmation bias
and having tunnel vision in focusing on his client as a suspect; for
nearly three hours, the teams examined and cross examined several
witnesses including Lindsay Gordon who took the stand in her own
defense; and

WHEREAS, The student attorneys from both teams handled examinations
and objections with confidence and stamina before Justice Eddie J.
McShan of the Appellate Division, Third Department; following closing
arguments, Justice McShan found Lindsay Gordon not guilty of arson,
handing the win to the Augustine Classical Academy team; and

WHEREAS, Justice McShan gave high praise to both student teams,
giving due praise to the witnesses in the case for their commitment and
dedication to their part; and


WHEREAS, In a show of team unity and celebration, the Augustine
Classical team, still gathered in the courtroom, sang a sacred harp
hymn, "Antioch," used as their fight song this year; Coach Thomas
Trouwborst believes it speaks to the goals they set for the team each
year; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such impressive academic achievement are brought to our
attention, they should be revered and celebrated by all the citizens of
this great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the members of the Augustine Classical Academy Mock Trial
Team: Hannah Trouwborst, Nora Catalano, Carter Van Amburgh, Isabelle
West, Dominic Marra, Effie MacKenzie, Sophie Van Amburgh, Caleb
Gascoyne, David Zhao, Ethan Gossman, Elliot Gorss, Ethan West, and Coach
Thomas Trouwborst upon their momentous win; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the aforementioned members of the Augustine Classical
Academy Mock Trial Team and Coach Thomas Trouwborst.