Monsignor Farrell unveils new state-of-the-art mock courtroom

For students interested in pursuing professions in debate, public policy, or law, Monsignor Farrell High School has opened a brand-new, cutting-edge mock courthouse.

An important milestone for the Oakwood high school’s Institute for Law & Policy was reached in December when the courtroom was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Institute for Law & Policy, a distinctive high school program that offers elective law classes, a lecture series, speech and debate teams, courtroom observations, professional shadowing days, internships, and mentorships, is centered around the new campus. (Monsignor Farrell High School, courtesy)Farrell High School in Monsignor

“This mock courtroom is a concrete embodiment of our mission,” stated Lou Tobacco, Monsignor Farrell High School president. Young men of character who are ready to lead with integrity are what we cultivate at Farrell. Our dedication to quality and community involvement is reaffirmed by the assembly of our esteemed graduates today, who represent the pinnacle of mission accomplished. This chamber is a living, breathing testament to Farrell’s legacy.

Prominent attendees included alumni of Farrell who are leaders in the legal, public, and judicial fields. Borough President Vito Fossella, 83, Richmond Surrogate Court Judge Matthew Titone, 79, and numerous other notable alumni who have influenced public policy and the legal profession were among the dignitaries.

According to Titone, this institute’s vision and execution are unmatched. By giving them chances they wouldn’t have otherwise, the mock courtroom guarantees that Farrell students receive practical legal exposure, enabling them to contribute significantly to society.

“The Institute will give our students the chance to learn the logical thinking, precise language, and persuasive argumentation skills that are so important to be successful lawyers from their alumni brothers and others in the legal field,” Principal Larry Musanti said. More significantly, the solid moral grounding that a Farrell education offers guarantees that they will pursue the law in an ethical manner.

Students can take part in simulated trials and legislative debates in the recently built mock courtroom, which brings the law to life in a vibrant and engaging setting.

“This mock courtroom is a concrete embodiment of our mission,” stated Lou Tobacco, Monsignor Farrell High School president.(Monsignor Farrell High School, courtesy)Farrell High School in Monsignor

Students can obtain practical experience in fields like litigation, corporate law, law enforcement, and public service with the use of the WestLaw Digital Library’s legal research tools and an alumni network comprising judges, lawyers, and public officials.

James Westgate, a 2025 graduate and president of the student body, claimed that the new mock courtroom is revolutionary for pupils.

According to Westgate, it gives us access to countless chances that enable us to fully immerse oneself in the legal sector and plan for the future. This resource will motivate us to achieve greater things.

Reflecting on the school’s history, Fossella clarified that Farrell teaches pupils service, leadership, and discipline.

That tradition is carried on in this new courthouse. According to him, it provides students with the opportunity to acquire skills that will not only help them in their jobs but also equip them to serve their communities with distinction.

WINNERS OF THE CONTEST

The winners of Sen. Andrew Lanza’s yearly There Ought To Be A Law competition, where students submitted legislative measures, were honored.

Students from all around Staten Island are honored through the competition for their outstanding effort, inventiveness, and desire to better the borough. Fifth-grade kids from Staten Island schools participated in the annual law contest, where they submitted proposals on topics such as public safety, animal safety, bullying prevention, school safety, and more.

The winners of Sen. Andrew Lanza’s yearly There Ought To Be A Law competition were recently honored. (From the office of Sen. Andrew Lanza.)The office of Senator Andrew Lanza

Winners were chosen after submissions from each participating school were received to Lanza’s office.

At a ceremony held at PS 32 in Great Kills on December 18, those that were chosen were honored.

Lanza stated, “Congratulations to the students who took part in my annual There Ought to Be a Law contest.” Every student expressed sincere care for their fellow Staten Islanders by submitting a proposal for a law that would help their town. Our future will be in capable hands because the students are perceptive and showed maturity above their years! I also want to express my gratitude to their parents and teachers for their tireless efforts in helping our kids realize their greatest potential.

The following are the winners of the 2024 There Ought to Be a Law contest:

PS 1 – Emerson Spataro
PS 3 – Callie Pezzuto
PS 8 – Fiona Li
PS 19 – Johan Santana
PS 23 – Dean Sayegh
PS 26 – Victoria Silverstein
PS 29 – Sebastian Scamardella, Nusret Dabovic
PS 32 – Maggie Tan
PS 35 – Ayla Ardoli
PS 37 – Erick Cerullo, Mason Mellor, Emily Vomero
PS 42 – Lucas Cain
PS/IS 48 – Skylar Lam
PS 52 – Noor Ikhmayes
PS 53 – Isabella Rinaldi
PS 54 – Dallas Miller
PS 56 – Joseph O Toole, Charles Setteducato
PS 58 – Roy Chen
PS 65 – Taylor Thomson
PS 68 -Sophia Rosier
Academy of St. Dorothy – Sophia Simone
Bridge Preparatory Charter School – Tyliek Garcia
Fr. Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy – Annabelle Alcivar
Our Lady of Good Counsel – Jillian Russo, James Madigan
Our Lady Star of the Sea – John Grieco
Staten Island Academy – Mia Rammairone
St. Ann School – Saul Olivares
St. Charles School – Derek Perri
St. Clare School – Tommaso DeFranco
St. Joseph Hill Academy – Adeline Herman
St. Teresa-St. Rita STREAM Academy – Jake LoPinto

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