American Heritage School captures the championship as Pennsylvania students earn top individual honors.
Philadelphia (PA): Empire Mock Trial returned to Philadelphia for a third year in a row to host the Constitution Classic, bringing together 375 students from 32 high school mock trial teams representing 14 states and Canada during the organization’s milestone 20th season.
The Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice hosted four preliminary trials, with students arguing both sides of the case before panels of volunteer judges and jurors. The top two teams advanced to a Championship Round at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Eight Pennsylvania schools represented the Commonwealth: Central Bucks High School South, Central High School, Imhotep Charter High School, Spring Grove Area High School, Central Bucks High School East, J.P. McCaskey High School, North Pocono High School, and St. Joseph’s Preparatory School.
“We were thrilled to return to Philadelphia for a third year,” said Oscar Samios, Empire’s Director of Competition Experience.
“The opportunity to advocate in real courtrooms, learn from an extraordinary legal community, and build friendships with students from across the country and Canada makes this program special. We’re grateful to everyone who helped our students feel welcome here.”
Beyond the Courtroom: Citizenship and the Constitution
The program began Thursday evening with an Opening Ceremony at the Franklin Institute, where Benjamin L. Wallace, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, served as keynote speaker. Wallace framed mock trial as an opportunity to become more well-rounded citizens, encouraging students to consider how the skills they develop through competition can help them contribute to their communities.
That theme continued Friday with America 250 Day. More than 200 students visited the National Constitution Center, where their experience included a lecture on the Fourth Amendment that connected directly to the constitutional issues in this year’s case. The visit gave students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the rights they would debate in the courtroom while reflecting on the responsibilities of citizenship as the nation marked its 250th anniversary.
A Championship in Federal Court
The Championship Round featured American Heritage School of Florida, a two-time former Empire champion, and Spain Park High School of Alabama, a perennial Alabama state champion making its first Empire final round appearance.
Judge L. Felipe Restrepo of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit presided, with nine scoring jurors evaluating the finalists. At the conclusion of the round, American Heritage School emerged as the 2026 Empire Philadelphia Champion.
For Judge Restrepo, returning to the Empire courtroom was a rewarding experience.
“I was very impressed by the enthusiasm and the quality of their presentation. It was a fun experience and I'm glad that I did it again.”
American Heritage’s students described a weekend that challenged them to adapt and trust their preparation.
“Competing at Empire is the perfect place to learn how to think on your feet!” said Ella Marlowe. “Between guest witnesses, pre-trial questioning, and preparing four possible crosses, you truly have to be ready for everything. Empire taught me to trust in my preparation and just let myself perform.”
Teammate Leeza Mangeym reflected on the confidence she gained through the experience.
“More than anything, Empire taught me how to adapt. The energy and pressure allowed me to realize how much I am really capable of. I left feeling so much more confident in my voice and my ability to think on my feet.”
Explore the results: Team Standings | Individual Award Recipients
Pennsylvania Students Shine
Pennsylvania students delivered a strong showing, with three teams finishing among the top 15 overall.
The Commonwealth’s students particularly distinguished themselves as advocates: all three of the highest-ranked attorney award recipients came from Pennsylvania schools, as did six of the top 10. Pennsylvania students also earned three Outstanding Witness Awards.
Their accomplishments underscored the depth of talent among the eight Pennsylvania schools competing in this year’s Constitution Classic.
A Community Effort
The Constitution Classic was made possible by 121 members of the legal community who volunteered as judges and jurors. Their support ensured that every preliminary trial had three evaluators, giving each team a record based on 12 ballots across its four trials.
Behind the scenes, more than 20 volunteer “Blue Shirts” helped staff the competition and support students, coaches, and evaluators throughout the program.
Empire extends a special thanks to the following individuals and organizations:
Maria Pugliese, Michael J. Lanzalotti, and Richard T. McSorley for their continued support in making the Juanita Stout Center for Criminal Justice available to our students and helping the program run smoothly, with gratitude to Sergeant Korpalski, Lieutenant Greenwood, and the entire Sheriff’s Office for their kindness and hospitality;
Judge Mark Kearney and Kristin Makely of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for welcoming the Championship Round back to federal court;
The Law Offices of McMonagle Perri McHugh Mischak Davis for sponsoring our volunteer judge and juror lunches, especially to Empire alumnus Steve Patton for facilitating the partnership—you can learn more about the firm here; and
The Empire Philadelphia Advisory Board: Honorary Chair Judge L. Felipe Restrepo, Co-Chair David Trevaskis, and members Alex Bowerman, Grant Keener, Kathleen M. Smith, Steve Patton, Ryan Smith, and Roberta West. Their continued commitment helps connect Empire’s students with Philadelphia’s legal and educational communities.
About Empire Mock Trial—and How You Can Help
Founded in 2007, Empire Mock Trial is a nonprofit dedicated to educating, connecting, and empowering high school students to be more compassionate and capable citizens. Through mock trial, students practice respectful advocacy, build meaningful connections, and develop skills that extend well beyond the courtroom.
As Empire celebrates its 20th season, the Constitution Classic brought that mission to life once again. Your support helps make these experiences possible, providing scholarships and covering the costs of bringing students together to learn, connect, and grow.
Help us give more students their day in court: make a gift to support Empire’s students.
Media Contact
Oscar Samios
Oscar@empiremocktrial.org
917-426-3682