One Francis Lewis High School student’s recent debate accomplishment is far from “moot.”
Pei Ran Zhang, a 17-year-old senior at Francis Lewis, was part of the New York City all-star law team that finished in first place at the International Moot Court Competition at Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands – where the International Court of Justice hears cases.
Zhang, who came to the United States a mere five years ago, delivered the opening and closing statements for her team in their final round showdown against the squad from Caracas, Venezuela.
The city’s team, which competed against students from across the world, also had the pleasure of meeting the mayor of The Hague as well as judges and prosecutors from the International Court.
“It was an honor to go to Europe to be a part of this competition,” Zhang said. “The first day I was so nervous – I was nervous until I got the podium, and then it came naturally. But it was great to win.”
