HAHIRA — The Valwood Valiants were crowned the Region 19 Champions of the Georgia High School Mock Trial Competition on Saturday. The Valiants swept the three rounds of competition which also earned them placement in next month’s District Championship.
In Round One, Valwood’s Defense team defeated Sherwood Christian Academy out of Albany. In addition to the team win, individual awards were bestowed on Alberto Garcia for Outstanding Attorney and Annabel Musgrove for Outstanding Witness.
In Round Two, Valwood’s Prosecution team defeated Lowndes High. Alex Gee was recognized as Outstanding Attorney and Christabel Ofori was awarded Outstanding Witness.
In Round Three, Valwood defeated Wayne County High School with Hannah Ward winning Outstanding Attorney.
“So many different players on our team won singular commendations from the scoring judges,” said Valwood coach Daryn Beasley. “It really shows that a collective, supportive team effort creates real success.”
The Lowndes County Judicial Complex hosted the GHSMT Region 19 Championship for the first time since 2020, Valwood said in a press release. The Valiants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at home — for most players it was the first time. In addition to Valwood, Lowndes, Sherwood, Wayne County and Colquitt County High School competed at the competition.
The GHSMT Competition begins each season with a state-wide series of three-round elimination tournaments before proceeding to a smaller series of District Championship rounds and ultimately a State Championship Tournament held in Lawrenceville. The competition began with 137 Georgia schools this year, including public and independent schools. All teams study the same case materials, released in the fall, before competing head-to-head, starting in February of each year.
“We are so very proud of this team,” said Valwood attorney coach Cathy Helms. “They studied this complicated problem and delved deep into its intricacies to master the issues. In the courtroom Saturday, they showed off that mastery.”
Valwood’s team currently has four graduates of the State Bar of Georgia’s Law Academy, including Team Captains Thomas Griner (senior) and Hannah Ward (junior) and seniors Alex Gee and Maggie Mays. “Our squad has a true embarrassment of riches in the leadership category,” said Beasley.
Details for the District Championship will be released to the teams this week, the press release said, but Valwood will continue to prepare, taking notes from the Region trials to better prepare for the next level. This team is no stranger to preparation.
“These kids have worked their tails off and are truly deserving of a region championship,” said Valwood attorney coach Tanner Herrington. “I am proud of the resilience and focus they showed during this weekend’s competition. This team is an excellent representation of Valwood and the greater Lowndes County area.”
The Valwood Mock Trial team includes Megan Allison, Ayla Bell, Alberto Garcia, Ava Garrett, Alex Gee, Claire Glen, Thomas Griner, Murphy Johnson, Destyn Lain, Jack Lawrence, Aahna Mattis, Maggie Mays, Annabel Musgrove, Christabel Ofori, Hudson Paylo, Kennedy Paylo, Craig Shapiro, Vanessa Smith, Julia Soshnik and Hannah Ward. They are coached by Daryn Beasley, Tanner Herrington, Cathy Helms, Jeff Helms, and Cailee Herrington.