April 2012 Spotlight: Mock Trial & Forensics

The Mock Trial Team at the University of Pittsburgh tournament.
(front row) J.P. Lisella, Emily Smith, .Macy Jaskiewicz, Dayna Kirby, Shelby Wasil, Kaye Burnet, Kate Straatmann, JarekIngros, Jacob Stumm.
(top row) Dominic Mastroianni, Anthony Kuntz, J.J. Hrechun, Nick Core, George Burnet

MOCK TRIAL

This year, Quigley competed as two separate teams captained by Dayna Kirby and Kaye Burnet. Both were honored as outstanding attorneys. Additionally, Quigley Catholic attorneys were ranked best in trial by the presiding judge as first, second, or third in 20 of the 24 possible ranks. Both teams finished the competition with 3-1 records.

In the Beaver County district competition, Quigley was 4-0 after the preliminary rounds. However, in the championship round, the team lost a 7-6 decision, ending their season.

Expectations are high for next year, as Quigley returns all 16 team members for 2012-2013 season.

Forensics PHSSL State Tournament
(L. to R.) J.P. Lisella, Anthony Kuntz, Dayna Kirby, Kaye Burnet, George Burnet

FORENSICS

The 2011-2012 competition season will be recorded as a memorable one for the Quigley Catholic forensic team. Currently, 39 students hold National Forensic League membership, 51 students have recorded NFL points this year, and the team has added 40 NFL degrees, a new high for degrees added in a single year.

At the PHSSL State Tournament, Anthony Kuntz place 2nd in poetry, George Burnet 5th in impromptu, and Kaye Burnet 4th in humorous interpretation. Dayna Kirby was recognized as clerk in congress, and J.P. Lisella competed in radio announcing. As a special honor, Mr. Wax was inducted into the Pennsylvania High School Speech League hall of fame.

At the NFL Pittsburgh district qualifier, Ellen Kruczek and Nick Core competed in dramatic interpretation. Anthony Kuntz and George Burnet advanced to semi-finals in duo interpretation, while Anthony also advanced in humorous interpretation. Kaye Burnet finished 6th in humorous interpretation.

At the Catholic National Forensic League district qualifier, Kate Straatmann (declamation) and Dom Mastroianni and Emily Smith (duo interpretation) finished as first alternates to the national tournament. Representing Quigley in Baltimore will be Nick Core (3rd in oral interp), J.P. Lisella (2nd in oratory), George Burnet (2nd in declamation), Anthony Kuntz (3rd in congress), and Kaye Burnet (1st in humorous interp).

Juniors, Kaye Burnet and J.P Lisella are nearing the NFL 1000 point plateau.

The Quigley Family would like to extend a congratulations to Mr. Tim Waxenfelter!!! Recently, Mr. Wax was inducted into the PHSSL (Pennsylvania High School Speech League) Hall of Fame. Mr. Wax has been coaching forensics at Quigley for 27 years. We are proud of him and his most recent honor.