Drew’s Mock Trial program welcomed alumni back to campus for a special reunion this week, marking the beginning of a new annual tradition rooted in mentorship, community, and legacy. Held in the Learning Commons, the gathering brought together current team members and former Mock Trial students for an afternoon of scrimmaging, conversation, and shared reflection.
The event began with a self-scrimmage, giving alumni the opportunity to observe current team members in action and reconnect with the program’s evolving practice style. As the evening continued, students and alumni gathered to share stories, advice, and memories from their Mock Trial experiences at Drew.
For current students, the reunion offered a powerful opportunity to see where Mock Trial can lead beyond high school. The timing of the reunion was especially meaningful given the program’s recent momentum. Last year marked a record-breaking season for Drew Mock Trial, with the team making its first-ever appearance in the County Semi-Finals—a major milestone for a program that began just four years ago. What started as an informal club has quickly grown into a competitive and respected academic team.
Much of this growth has been driven by the leadership of Jim Nickovich, Drew Social Studies Faculty and former attorney, whose expertise, dedication, and passion have helped transform Mock Trial into one of Drew’s standout academic programs. Under his guidance, students develop not only courtroom skills, but confidence, discipline, and a deep understanding of the law.
“Seeing our Drew alumni back on campus was a true treat,” shared Dylan S. ’27. “It gave me the opportunity to reconnect with students who share my interests and to see how Drew has helped launch them into meaningful paths in the real world. Talking with alumni who began their high school journeys in Mock Trial and now apply those same skills to everyday situations in college helped me fully grasp the lasting benefits of both Mock Trial and a Drew education. More than anything, it reinforced the genuine sense of community Drew fosters and sustains long after graduation.”
Alumni also reflected on the lasting impact of the program. For Lena Wilson, the skills developed through Mock Trial continue to shape her academic path. “Mock Trial teaches you to organize your thoughts and work through problems,” she shared. “I’m studying business and political economy, and it’s helped me to understand how courts and law work. I think everyone should do Mock Trial.”
Success in Mock Trial requires extensive preparation, a comprehensive understanding of case law and evidence, advanced critical thinking and listening skills, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively. Drew students rise to this challenge, demonstrating the intellectual rigor and collaboration at the heart of the program.
The reunion also highlighted the continued growth and strength of Drew’s Mock Trial program today. With a dedicated team spanning multiple grade levels, the program continues to build on the foundations laid by past teams—drawing from shared strategies, resources, and a culture of commitment passed down through generations of students.
As conversations stretched into the evening, the gathering underscored what makes Mock Trial at Drew so distinctive: a deep sense of continuity, collaboration, and pride that connects students across years.
By bringing alumni and current team members together, the inaugural Mock Trial reunion celebrated not only past accomplishments, but the enduring relationships,shared passion, and growing legacy that continue to define the program.
At Drew, learning extends beyond the classroom—strengthened by community, mentorship, and the lasting impact students build together.
