District Attorney forms partnership with Holyoke school

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Hampden County District Attorney Mark Mastroianni spent the morning talking to Holyoke eighth grade students Friday morning.

The DA’s visit the Maurice A. Donahue Elementary School is part of his “ Adopt a School” program. Students participated in a mock trial to see how the courtroom works. They will also be invited to visit a real courtroom in the spring.

“It’s part of a government lesson, it’s part of a civics lesson, and if we bring that information to the class, and we try to make it fun for them, and let them know what the court system does and how it works. We think it can help them; it enhances their educational experience, and brings a little fun into the classroom,” Mastroianni said.

Nathaniel Provost, who played the judge in the mock trial, told 22News that he enjoyed the experience.

"It was fun because I had to listen and then I had to say 'order in the court!' It was fun," Provost said.

In September, the District Attorney’s Office donated school supplies to the students.

The Donahue School is not the first one that has been part of this partnership. Last year, Mastroianni worked students at the M. Marcus Kiley Middle School in Springfield.