Mock Trial Team Wins Region
For the second year in a row, the Athens Academy Mock Trial team won the Northeast Georgia Regional Championship. The team then went on to the state tournament in Lawrenceville, March 10-11, where they made it to the semi-final round and placed third overall in the state.
The participants on this year’s Mock Trial team, sponsored by Latin teacher Kelly Ryan and drama teacher Lorraine Thompson, were Helena Anderson, Amy Bruckner, Jarrard Cole, Nathan Crawshaw, Esther Deaton, Margaret DuBose, Matthew Leonard, Houston Mahoney, Rebecca Marshburn, Ramey Mize, Carley Moore, Elizabeth Newcomer, Jasmin Patel, Christine Shaw, Surili Sheth, Katie Ward, and Emily Westberry. Several local attorneys helped to coach the team, including Ernie Harris, Eric Eberhardt, and Rich Connelly.
At the state tournament, Helena Anderson and Carley Moore won awards for “Best Witness,” and Ramey Mize, Matthew Leonard, Surili Sheth, and Emily Westberry each won “Best Attorney.” In addition, five of Athens Academy’s team members were honored for their participation in Mock Trial for all four years of high school: Matthew Leonard, Carley Moore, Katie Ward, Emily Westberry and Nate Crawshaw.
Mock Trial allows students to sharpen their speaking skills, their ability to persuade, and their knowledge of law. It also provides a unique simulation of a case actually playing out in a courtroom.