FCHS Mock Trial Team Places in District Competition

Rebel's Corner

The Fannin County High School Mock Trial team participated and placed as Region Runner-Up in the Regional Competition in Dalton, Georgia on Saturday, January 25, 2014. As a result the team moved on to district competition this past Saturday where the team took second place. Teacher/Coach Sarah Welch spoke with FYN telling us the difference in District vs Regional,

“Competing at the District Level not only allowed the students additional practice and examination of the case, but it also helped them to utilize their revision skills. Following the first round, students had to see what worked at competition and what did not. They rewrote opening statements, closing arguments, and lines of questioning. They gained confidence in their abilities following the first competition, and they competed well. I was incredibly proud of all the students and the progress they made.”

Mock Trial Competition is not like any other extra-curricular competition. This competition, is sponsored and conducted by the State Bar of Georgia. In October, the students received the case problem, which revolves around the unfortunate death of one Bobby Bacalaleri from the top of a parking garage. Samantha Pyke, our defendant, is being charged with murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault. Each year, the State Bar alternates between criminal and civil cases. This year, the team feels incredibly fortunate to be receiving help from local District Attorney Alison Sosebee and the incomparable George Weaver.

Since the release of the problem, students have labored long hours in their distinct roles as primarily an attorney or a witness. Student attorneys must draft opening statements, closing arguments, as well as both direct and cross examination questions. Students who portray witnesses are scored on their dramatic abilities and knowledge of their character on the stand. They are subjected to questioning both by their direct examination attorney as well as an attorney from the other team on cross examination, and that exchange is not quite as friendly.

Fannin’s prosecution team consists of student attorneys Grace Walker, Cassidy Roath, and Emma McHan, and the prosecution’s three witnesses were portrayed by Megan Little, Kara Tillery, and Nate Wood. Fannin’s defense team consists of student attorneys Skyler Martin, Amber Stenstrom, and Jared Eggleston. The defense’s witnesses were portrayed by Charitty Tuttle (the defendant), Arthur Hubbard, and Paul Behrens.

Not only did the team compete in the final round of competition and place second, but a number of students received individual recognition for their superior performances. During each round of one competition, one outstanding attorney and one witness is recognized from each courtroom. Kara Tillery received one Outstanding Witness Award, and Charitty Tuttle received two Outstanding Witness awards, one from each of the first two rounds. Skyler Martin, Cassidy Roath, and Grace Walker all received Outstanding Attorney awards for their exceptional performances. Megan Little, Arthur Hubbard, Skyler Martin, and Grace Walker were also recognized as four-year participants of the Mock Trial program.

“Mock trial has allowed me to discover my passion in life and has given me the tools to purse a profession in that field.”

Skyler Martin, senior, defense lead attorney

“Joining mock trial was the best decision I made in high school. This team helped prepare me for my future more than any other club.”

Grace Walker, senior, prosecution lead attorney

“I am very proud of the team’s accomplishments. Their hard work and dedication is evident in their outstanding performance.”

Nicole Lord, teacher coach

“While it involves a great deal of work, I feel incredibly fortunate to work with these students on developing their skills in the courtroom. I feel this year’s effort has been a culmination on many of the student’s parts, and I can’t wait to see what happens at District.”

Sarah Welch, teacher coach

Back to Top