For its second consecutive year, the Doherty Memorial High School Mock Trial team has been providing students with a hands-on introduction to the legal world, allowing them to explore real-life cases and gain valuable experience in law. Co-coordinators Kam Archer-Dyer and Kayla Kieko lead the team, which meets every Thursday from 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the first-floor common area of the school. The team is also supported by Attorney Paul, a legal professional who serves as a coach, helping students navigate difficult cases and prepare for competition.
Currently, the team is working on a civil case involving social host liability. In this scenario, a teenager attends a party, drinks alcohol, and knows they are too intoxicated to drive. Afterward, they get into someone else’s car, which results in a car accident. Each participant plays a different role, such as lawyer, plaintiff, or expert witness, and is ranked on a scale from 1-10 based on how well they execute their role. The experience helps students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, while also teaching them about the nuances of civil law.
“We’ve explored both criminal and civil cases in our two years, including a burglary case last year,” said Kam Archer-Dyer, who is also participating as a lawyer in the current case. “This type of club is important because it teaches students about different career paths and gives them skills that extend beyond the classroom.”
Many of the students involved in the Mock Trial team have expressed interest in pursuing careers in law or law enforcement, with the majority planning to work in those fields. Kayla Kieko, the other co-coordinator of the team, believes that programs like Mock Trial are crucial because they offer an alternative to traditional school clubs. “It’s a different kind of learning experience,” she said. “Not only do students get to explore careers in law, but they also learn about the judicial process and how to make compelling arguments.”
The team’s hands-on approach to learning includes visits to the Worcester Courthouse, where they get to observe actual court rulings and interact with local judges and lawyers. “We loved our visit to the courthouse,” Kam said. “It was inspiring to see the legal system in action, and it motivated many of the students to continue pursuing their interest in law.”

The Mock Trial team has big plans for the future, including more field trips to courthouses and further opportunities to interact with legal professionals. These trips are designed to expand students’ understanding of the legal system and give them the chance to learn from experienced attorneys and judges.
“I’ve always been interested in law, and before I joined the Mock Trial team, I volunteered at a real court-run mock trial,” Kam shared. “It was such a rewarding experience, and I wanted to continue working with the team to deepen my knowledge of law.”
The team’s approach is also committed to fairness, ensuring that no one faces discrimination in any of the mock cases. This focus on inclusivity and justice reflects the team’s belief that, in the legal field, “nothing is above the law.”
The team is open to new members, and students who want to learn more or join can attend meetings on Thursdays or contact Ms. Tencza at [email protected] for additional information.
For students at Doherty Memorial High School, the Mock Trial team offers more than just an extracurricular activity—it’s a unique opportunity to step into the world of law, develop vital skills, and connect with professionals who may help shape their future careers.
