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The jury’s in: Olivia Stepanenko is the real deal.
The East Islip High School senior and mock trial standout is building quite the case for herself on the national stage.
Stepanenko was recently named one of just 10 Outstanding Attorneys at the Empire Mock Trial World Championship in Chicago, a field that drew more than 600 competitors from across the country.
The honor adds to her growing list of accolades.
In July, she earned an honorable mention at the 2025 Gladiator one-on-one tournament in Atlanta, and earlier in the spring she was selected as the Countywide Outstanding Student Attorney by the Suffolk County Bar Association.
East Islip’s mock trial coach, Patsy Lester, said Stepanenko’s strong preparation and poise elevate the school’s entire debate team.
“Olivia is a model of hard work, dedication and tenacity,” Lester said. “Her leadership, along with her co-captains, has brought our team success at the highest levels of county, state and national competition. I am so proud she is getting the recognition she deserves.”
Stepanenko is awaiting college acceptances and plans to study law and politics, with aspirations of becoming an international attorney.
Top: Olivia Stepanenko (East Islip School District)
