Education
Norcross HS Mock Trial finishes Fifth in State, Wins Record 25 Awards
The Norcross High School mock trial team completed their season as the fifth ranked team in Georgia, losing a close match (3-2) to Grady HS in the state quarterfinals. This ranking was the highest by a Gwinnett County team in more than ten years. Grady went on to win the state championship.
This was the Norcross team’s second consecutive year advancing to the state finals. Last year’s competition was cancelled due to COVID-19. Instead of the usual venues in courtrooms throughout the state, this year’s competition was held virtually in trials conducted over Zoom.
More than 80 schools fielded a total of 99 teams in this year’s competition. Norcross fielded two teams for the first time. Both teams advanced in the top 30 after the first four preliminary rounds. Under competition rules, each school was permitted to field only one team in the state finals tournament, so the Norcross team for the finals included members from both teams.
Norcross earned more outstanding attorney and witness awards than ever before, a total of 25.
Outstanding attorney awards: Martin Lachev (5 awards), Moira Christ (3), Jordan Katz (3), Khadijah Akbar, Elyse Loew.
Outstanding witness awards: Mallory Lane (5), Ainsley Clayton (4), Aidan Moss (2), Nina Ballerstedt.
Members of the combined team were — Seniors: Attorneys Khadijah Akbar, Moira Christ, Martin Lachev, and Salma Glili; Witnesses Ainsley Clayton, Teagan Crye, and Mallory Lane. Juniors: Witnesses Aidan Moss and Zach Susskind. Sophomores: Attorneys Jordan Katz, Elyse Loew, and Muhan Zhao; Witnesses Nina Ballerstedt, Evan Banks, and Jennifer Castro; Timekeeper Heather Harris.
“Mock trial is one of the most rewarding activities I’ve ever done. I’ve made close friends, learned to think on my feet, and refined my public speaking skills,” Martin Lachev said.
Mock trial is a competitive academic team. It helps students enhance public speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while fostering self-confidence in a team environment. Participation in mock trial teaches students about courtroom procedures; it also shows students the mechanism through which society resolves many disputes. Students combine aspects of debate and drama to present the trial of a fictional case and receive scores from actual judges and lawyers. They must learn and absorb a lengthy compilation of complex material inside and out, then analyze how to present that information in a persuasive way.
“Joining NHS Mock Trial has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have loved every minute I’ve spent in mock trial, and I have learned so much not only about the law and our legal system, but about what it means to truly be part of a team,” Ainsley Clayton said.
More than 100 schools in Georgia typically participate in mock trial competitions. Georgia’s competition is overseen by the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia under the direction of Michael Nixon, without whose efforts the event could not happen.
The Norcross HS team is coached by NHS social studies teacher Hal Wright and by local attorneys Rich Harris, Matt McGahren, and Skip Hudgins.
“Coaching mock trial is the most fun and fulfilling thing I do as a lawyer. The hard work, talent, and dedication of every single member of the team is a joy to see, and the brilliance of these students gives me hope for the future,” Harris said.
Source: Release and quotes gathered and provided by Rich Harris
Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett (Good Samaritan Gwinnett) has received state authorization from the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC) to officially launch Access Academy, a private, certificate-granting, low-cost postsecondary education program targeting students of low-income and/or minority households who aspire to pursue careers in healthcare but may lack the financial means to attend traditional college programs.
Access Academy is designed to meet the needs of students from underserved communities, providing healthcare-specific training at a fraction of the cost, thanks to charitable donations and volunteer-based faculty support.
Access Academy will initially offer a five-month medical assistant certification program. Graduates of the program will be able to enter the workforce without the burden of student loans, directly benefiting their household income and financial well-being.
“We are thrilled to launch Access Academy and open the doors of opportunity for those who need it most,” said Shameka Allen, CEO of Good Samaritan Gwinnett. “Our mission has always been to support underserved communities, and now, with Access Academy, we can extend that impact by helping students earn their medical assistant certificates and get their start in healthcare.”
A history of mentoring and education
Good Samaritan Gwinnett has a rich history of educating undergraduate and graduate students in health sciences. Since 2012, the organization has mentored nearly 450 graduate students pursuing medical and dental professional degrees. The cost of precepting just one midlevel student for an average of 168 hours amounts to $10,038, reflecting the organization’s dedication to training and education.
Greg Lang, chief financial officer of Good Samaritan Gwinnett, spearheaded the efforts to secure state authorization and launch Access Academy.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see Access Academy come to life after months of planning and preparation,” Lang said. “Access Academy is not just providing training — it’s offering hope, opportunity and the support needed to turn dreams into reality.”
An ongoing mission
The launch of Access Academy is part of Good Samaritan Gwinnett’s ongoing mission to expand its reach and make healthcare more accessible, both by providing direct patient care and by equipping future healthcare professionals with the skills they need to succeed. Since Good Samaritan Gwinnett’s inception in 2005, more than 52,300 patients have entered the clinic more than 300,000 times.
For more information about Access Academy, visit them at goodsamgwinnett.org/access-academy or email Greg Lang at Greg.Lang@goodsamgwinnett.org.
Pinecrest Academy, a private preK3–12 Catholic school serving north metro Atlanta, has once again been named to the College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Platinum distinction.
The AP® School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while also broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit and maximizing college readiness.
“We are so honored to have received this AP Honor Roll Award, as we strive each year to provide every student with a college preparatory experience, which includes the successful completion of challenging AP courses,” commented Amy Bowman, Pinecrest Academy high school principal. “The Platinum designation from AP speaks to the excellence that our faculty strives for in delivering challenging content that prepares our students for college.”
The numbers
During the 2023-2024 school year, Pinecrest had 89% of seniors taking at least one AP exam during high school, 82% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam and 58% who took five or more AP exams. Twenty-one AP courses were offered, representing 30 sections taught by 12 high school teachers at the school.
“Our Class of 2024 earned a 100% acceptance into the college/university of their choice,” Bowman said. “Since the school’s first graduating class of 2007, Pinecrest’s high school has maintained a 100% graduation rate every year.”
AP Access Award
Pinecrest Academy was also awarded the AP Access Award this year. Schools on the AP School Honor Roll may earn the AP Access Award, which recognizes schools that demonstrate a clear and effective commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework.
“AP represents an opportunity for students to stand out to colleges, earn college credit and placement and potentially boost their grade point averages,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “The schools have shown that they can expand access to these college-level courses and still drive high performance — they represent the best of our AP program.”
For more information, visit pinecrestacademy.org.
For more about the Advanced Placement® Program, visit ap.collegeboard.org.
PCBA Awards $3,500 to Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer
Good Samaritan Gwinnett Receives State Authorization to Launch Access Academy
Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Visionaries Honored at 2024 MARS Summit
Three Local Chefs Share Their Favorite Holiday Recipes
Opsys Collaborates with Curiosity Lab and City of Peachtree Corners to Launch Solid-State LiDAR Technology
From Our Table to Yours: Five Cozy Dishes for Winter in Peachtree Corners
City of Peachtree Corners Awarded Health Wellness Grant
AVID Products, Growing World of Esports Audio and DreamHack
Center for Puppetry Arts Shares Global Holiday Traditions Through Puppetry
AVID Products, Growing World of Esports Audio and DreamHack
Peachtree Corners and Curiosity Lab Receive ITS Georgia 2024 Outside the Construction Box Award
From Our Table to Yours: Five Cozy Dishes for Winter in Peachtree Corners
Opsys Collaborates with Curiosity Lab and City of Peachtree Corners to Launch Solid-State LiDAR Technology
Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Visionaries Honored at 2024 MARS Summit
City of Peachtree Corners Awarded Health Wellness Grant
Three Local Chefs Share Their Favorite Holiday Recipes
Light up the Corners [Video]
Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy
Top 10 Brunch Places in Gwinnett County
A Hunger for Hospitality
THE CORNERS EPISODE 3 – BLAXICAN PART 1
Top 10 Indoor Things To Do This Winter
The ED Hour: What it takes to Remove Barriers from Education
-
Around Atlanta1 week agoMetro Atlanta Redevelopment Visionaries Honored at 2024 MARS Summit
-
Smart City and Innovations6 days ago
Opsys Collaborates with Curiosity Lab and City of Peachtree Corners to Launch Solid-State LiDAR Technology
-
Food & Drink5 days ago
From Our Table to Yours: Five Cozy Dishes for Winter in Peachtree Corners
-
Podcast2 days ago
AVID Products, Growing World of Esports Audio and DreamHack
