Seventh and eighth grade Westhampton Beach Middle School students recently put their legal knowledge and public speaking skills to the test during an in-school mock trial competition with Hampton Bays Middle School.

Seventh and eighth grade Westhampton Beach Middle School students recently put their legal knowledge and public speaking skills to the test during an in-school mock trial competition with Hampton Bays Middle School. Students from both mock trial teams prepared extensively for the event, taking on the roles of attorneys and witnesses. They undertook legal research and practiced delivering opening and closing statements, making objections, submitting evidence and conducting direct, cross and redirect examinations. The Westhampton Beach Middle School mock trial program is spearheaded by teacher Kelly Massaro, who created the initiative to give local schools the opportunity to compete against one another in an authentic courtroom-style setting. Students also worked closely with local attorney Thomas Gibbons, who provided guidance and support throughout the preparation process. During the competition, the cases were presented before a panel of three judges with extensive legal backgrounds, giving students valuable real-world feedback and insight. Date Added: 5/12/2026