The DLS Mock Trial Team, which received an Honorable Mention at the Macomb Regional on March 8, 2025, headed to East Lansing (March 21-22) for the State Finals. Only 12 out of more than 70 teams statewide earned the right to compete.

Although the team did not move on to the national competition, the students involved, and their coaches,  were pleased with their achievements.

Senior Ben Aloia said, “The state-level competition is really exciting and competitive. I’m glad all of us worked so hard to get to this point. In the end, although we didn’t win, we all had a great time working together as one team.”

Aloia’s comments were echoed by senior Brendan Harper. 

“I had a great time participating in Mock Trial this year with some of my closest friends,” Brendan said. “While we had a strong team last year, our improvement this season was undeniable. Despite a later start, our state-run showed just how much effort we put in. In the end, I believe we all gave it our all. We couldn’t have done it without our amazing coaches—Mr. Ben Aloia, Mr. Keith Jablonski, Mr. Kmiec, and Mr.Femminineo. It was definitely an experience I will look back on fondly.”

Mr. Ben Aloia, ‘91, introduced Mock Trial to De La Salle students several years ago, and described Mock Trial as “a fierce academic competition where students participating as either an attorney or testifying witness, test their intellectual boundaries during the evolving dynamics of a trial. Participating students diligently prepare so they can critically think and properly respond during the examinations and cross-examinations from the other team. They are judged on their public speaking, trial proficiency, and oral advocacy before a live audience which is a rare opportunity in high school.”

Aloia continued, “The De La Salle students who participated in the state competition this year are fine young men, who came prepared and battled admirably. The coaches were very proud of their diligent preparation, performance, and competitive spirit.”

Aloia also coached the 2016 Mock Trial team which qualified for the state competition. Mike Kostuch, ‘16, is now an attorney in Aloia’s office. 

Senior Thomas Simasko said, “Being only the second team in DLS history to make it to States for Mock Trial was an incredible experience. We gave it our all, and our competition was of the highest caliber.”

The team was led by senior captains Nolan Kas-Mikha and Luke Jablonski. The team also included seniors Ben Aloia, Jack Madigan, Thomas Simasko, JJ Simasko, John Kajy, Brendan Harper, and Jack Randazzo. Representing the sophomore class are Evan Femminineo, Anthony Adamo, Mikos Rosati, Luke Phillips, and Jacob Kmiec.

Mock Trial is a project of the Michigan Center for Civic Education (MCCC)