My Experience on the Galloway Mock Trial Team

In the fall semester of this year, I chose to join the Galloway Mock Trial team. I’m a sophomore, and this is my first year at Galloway. I joined the team in hopes to find more connection within the Galloway community, challenge myself, and add some flair to my college applications. I can gladly say that Mock Trial met these expectations. Mock Trial is coached by Mr. Corin, who teaches 10th grade English and Journalism. We also have the opportunity to learn from real attornies such as Rob Stone and Lesli Gaither. They taught us the rules and regulations of Georgia Mock Trial and how to get better at our craft. Our team was split into two groups, blue and gold. I was placed in team blue, along with Caroline Lackey (‘25), Hana Gertsacov (‘26), Amelia Pierce (‘24), Diya Gunlapalli (23’), Margaret Edmonds (‘23), Sarah Menis (‘25), and Jackson Wright (‘23). The gold team consisted of Aidan Munroe (‘23), Audrey Smith (‘23), Liza Tewari (‘24), Claire Markwalter (‘24), Holden Gruel (‘25), Nora Perez-Rubio (‘25), Mira Silverman (‘25), and Josie Read (‘25). Given that it’s my first year competing, being assigned the opening statements for the trial was a stressful notion to deal with. 

We spent the next months writing, reading, studying, and prepping for the regional competition: the smallest in the set of competitions leading up to nationals. The work I had to do was unlike most work I’ve done in the past; I’ve never been much of a team player, but being put into that environment helped me build those skills. Not only that, but Mock Trial helped connect me to people I wouldn’t have met if it wasn’t for that experience. Moving schools in the middle of high school can be a bit of a rough transition, and balancing academics and meeting new people is a struggle as well. Oddly enough, this scholarly club that meets four hours a week helped me build relationships while strengthening my intellect. 

In early February, our teams made our way to the Georgia State Bar to compete against the other schools in our region. I was then introduced to the Mock Trial tradition of screaming in parking lots before heading out to the competition: a satisfying ritual. I was very nervous for my first round, and I attempted to hide my hands shaking while I gave my opening statements (though I'm sure I failed). I was able to see my peers shine, and despite my nerves, both of our teams were able to win the competition and make our way to the district championship. 

The prep for the next competition was more focused than the previous. We knew what to revise and what to keep. I was more confident heading into the next round of trials, and I was able to practice my lines and speeches a tenfold of what I did for regionals. At the end of districts, only one of our teams made it through, but the day was a win for Galloway nonetheless. The State Finals were in Gwinnett County, a bit farther from the usual downtown Atlanta location, which made it a much more intimidating experience. Not a single trial was on time, and complications made us sit put for almost an hour, anxiously waiting for the news of what we were supposed to do next. Our Galloway team wasn’t able to make it through to Nationals, but we were proud of ourselves for the work we did regardless. My experience this year in this club was deeply enriching, and I can’t wait to sign up for next season.