By Lily Sternlieb ’24, Feature Writer

On September 21st, Newark Academy students filled the athletics courtyard, eagerly signing up for clubs like Newark Anatomy, Minuteman Society and Model Congress. In many ways, these clubs each represent microcosms of distinct parts of the Newark Academy culture. Whether people are interested in STEM, creative writing, or exploring their identities, clubs at Newark Academy offer students a place to feel accepted. An example of one such group is Mock Trial. 

Mock Trial is a team of students composed of witnesses, prosecution attorneys, defense attorneys and trial advisors. The club reviews, prosecutes, and defends specific cases given to the school by the New Jersey Bar Association. Every year Mock Trial meets in the winter for an average of four hours a week, and during these meetings they work on directs and cross-examinations and learn more about the legal system. After speaking to many Mock Trial members, each student emphasizes not only the academic component of the club but also the prioritization of team bonding. Trial advisor Asha Toolsidas ‘22, said, “We all enjoy mock trial and learning about law, and that common interest is what initially brings us together. However, I think the main reason we are such a close team is because of all the time we spend together.” Lawyer Charlie Hynes ‘22 adds, “There’s something about a common goal that really brings people together. Aligning the self interest of a motivated, excited group of people brings about an environment of efficiency and community that isn’t really rivaled by anything else.” Mock Trial not only connects those with common interests, but creates friendships between and beyond all grades and social cliques. 

Additionally, many Mock Trial participants highlight the connection and intersection between Mock Trial and Newark Academy values. Charlie stated, “I do think that Mock Trial represents the NA community’s tendency to unapologetically immerse themselves into things they are passionate about. I am constantly blown away by the dedication of my peers to their respective extracurriculars, sports, jobs, and so much more.” Mock Trial prides itself on being a family. This is an idea which lawyer, Drew France 22’, expresses as well: “I think mock trial is a microcosm for the NA community because it’s a tight-knit, collaboration-based club. Like the broader NA community, Mock Trial is collaboration driven, and having a successful team requires having strong relationships between all members.” 

While not every lawyer, trial advisor, and witness on Mock Trial would like to go into law, every member reiterates the impact of the skills and lessons they will take away from Mock Trial. Drew wrote, “I think that all groups, whether clubs, teams, or coworkers, can benefit from prioritizing team bonding. In the future, I hope to create tight-knit bonds in other group settings so that we can rely on each other and work more effectively, together.” Asha humorously mentions another potential benefit of Mock Trial: “Maybe I’ll have to go to court over a speeding ticket at some point.”

Mock Trial is just one example of over 60 clubs at Newark Academy that creates friendships, bonds, and communities. While each club may have its own purpose and personality, together they give all NA students a richer experience and connect us together.