Sara Muzzi, a senior at NDB, recently advanced to the state level for Mock Trial as the Courtroom Journalist. The announcement, which came on Valentine’s Day, was a complete surprise to Muzzi.
“I found out I was going to States when Mr. Tomczak planned it so I’d be in Mrs. Tauskey’s office when he made the announcement to the school. I was really surprised, especially since I had just spoken to both Mr. Tomczak and Mr. Rojas a couple of hours before, and neither of them had mentioned it”, Muzzi exclaims.
She credits the recognition of her writing by county judges as a rewarding part of the experience, adding that her four years with Mock Trial, including three years as Pretrial, paved the way for this opportunity as a Courtroom Journalist.
Sara’s journey to this achievement wasn’t just about her writing skills but also her growth as a communicator. “A big part of being a Courtroom Journalist is getting quotes from Mock Trial participants after competitions. You have to learn to be comfortable with reaching out to people before and after, which can be nerve-wracking for everyone involved,” she explained. This ability to speak up and connect with others was key to her success.
Muzzi also emphasized her benefit from having prior experience in the mock trial field. “It was also really helpful for me to have had experience with Mock Trial proceedings in previous years, because I knew all of the language,” she shared, reflecting on her years of experience.
For students aspiring to become Courtroom Journalists in Mock Trial, Muzzi has some advice. She first encourages others to embrace the guidance available to them: “Take advantage of the guidance offered by both Mr. Rojas and Mr. Tomczak, since they have unique expertise in this area.”
Ultimately, she emphasizes the importance of finding one’s own style and perspective in journalism. Muzzi shares, “My biggest suggestion is to find your voice. Both in the courtroom and writing sessions with Mr. Tomczak and Mr. Rojas, it’s important to be able to speak for yourself in order to create the best work you can.”
Although the journalist did not end up placing at the competition in Los Angeles, her dedication to writing and commitment to Mock Trial is a true testament to the value of perseverance, preparation, and mentorship. As she moves forward professionally, Muzzi’s mock trial experience will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for continued success in her future endeavors.
