I first met Mary in 2023 when we were cast in the same play for Boston Latin School theatre’s One Acts. I immediately knew how kind Mary was from how she instantly offered to help me prepare for my BLS Mock Trial tryout even though we had only known each other for a few days. When I made the team about two weeks later, she was one of the first people to congratulate me. What I didn’t know at that time was how great of an impact Mary would have on me during the following three years.
Mary, I am incredibly grateful for your friendship. Whether it was staying up late to hear your advice in New Haven hotel rooms or barely surviving MassBar hell weeks only because of your humor, I will always look back on our time together fondly. Shadowing you during my first few months on the team convinced me that I wanted to be an attorney instead of a witness. Thank you for always being there to discuss the rules of evidence and procedure and hearing my (rather out-there) theories of the case.
Working alongside you to lead the Mock Trial team this year has been especially rewarding. Your kindness and ability to make everyone on the team feel heard and valued are leadership qualities that I will continue to aspire to. I will never forget all the motivational speeches you gave right before the MassBar elimination trials or your last-minute suggestions on the train to New Haven. Your persistent dedication to growing a team of skilled competitors while putting the people first has been inspiring to watch.
Even while juggling your fair share of other activities, including a fantastic senior capstone presentation and playing on the softball team, we could always count on you to step up and be there for Mock Trial when we needed you most. You made a great impact on each member of the Mock Trial team, and I already know that we will miss you dearly.
I’m forever grateful for your willingness to put down what you’re doing to answer my questions, help me make plans for practice and edit parts. I wouldn’t be who I am today without all your guidance. Thank you for encouraging me to branch out and try new things.
You have an amazing future ahead of you, and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Good luck at UVM!