AUBURN – The Edward Little High School Mock Trial Team met recently at the Ground Round to celebrate a successful season.

Although nine seniors graduated from the team last June, the young team, under lawyer-coach Justin Leary, won all three preliminary matches on Nov. 11. The wins were enough to qualify for the state quarter finals. There they met the team from Hampden Academy, who later went on to be state champions.

Team members receiving certificates were seniors Fred Deraiche, Jason Riethmann and Peter Westcott. Underclassmen included Max Mogensen, Carin Eisenstein, Martin Couturier, Chris Keene, Tom Kester, Vanessa Ouellette, Markus Schlotterbeck and Cam Leary.

Raechel Biron, for her excellence as the clerk-timer, received a special award. In one competition she was able to explain precisely to the judge what the time components were for each role on the team as well as record the time for each role. In another competition, due to unforeseen circumstances, she timed both sides.

Special trophies were given to Carin Eisenstein, most promising neophyte; Peter Westcott, most versatile as witness and lawyer; Tom Kester, best prosecution witness; Max Mogensen, best defense witness; Peter Westcott, most valuable team member; and Markus Schlotterbeck and Peter Westcott, best lawyers.

Max Mogensen received his three-year member award. Chris Keene, Fred Deraiche, Tom Kester, Vanessa Ouellette and Markus Schlotterbeck were given their two-year member awards.

Peter Westcott received his four-year award and was thanked by the coaches for his perfect attendance and his dedication in preparing the team for the competitions. He had been commended by the judges in a number competitions for his arguments and for his role-playing.