The undefeated Norcross HS Mock Trial Team advances to state again!
The Norcross HS mock trial team is 6-0 after six rounds of virtual competition. It will join 31 other schools in the state finals tournament as the overall fifth ranked team in Georgia, the highest ranking by a Gwinnett team in at least ten years. This is the team’s second consecutive year advancing to the state finals. Last year’s state finals competition was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Norcross fielded two teams this year for the first time. Both teams excelled, advancing in the top 30 (of 99) after the first four preliminary rounds. The more experienced Varsity team was 12th after prelims but moved up to fifth after winning two more mid-level rounds.
Under the rules of competition, each school can have only one team compete in the state finals tournament, so the team for the finals will include members from both teams.
Norcross also won more outstanding attorney and witness awards than ever before, a total of 20 so far.
Earning outstanding attorney awards: Martin Lachev (4 awards), Moira Christ (2), Jordan Katz (3), Elyse Loew.
Earning outstanding witness awards: Ainsley Clayton (4), Aidan Moss (2), Mallory Lane (3), Nina Ballerstedt.
Members of the combined team are — 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 a competitive academic team that requires dedication, attention to detail, and a significant time commitment. It helps students enhance their 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 of its disputes. Students combine aspects of debate and drama to produce the trial of a fictional case in front of actual judges and lawyers. They must learn and absorb a lengthy compilation of complex material inside and out, and then analyze how to present that information in the most persuasive way.
More than 100 schools in Georgia, and thousands nationwide, typically participate in mock trial competitions. This year’s Georgia statewide competition is being held virtually in trials conducted over Zoom. It is overseen by the Younger 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.
