HHS MOCK TRIAL TEAM WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Hattiesburg High School set a new state record, becoming the first Mississippi school to win an unprecedented eight state titles during final round action at The Supreme Court Chambers of The Mississippi Capitol.  The moot court Tigers (7-0) upset defending state champions Long Beach High School in semifinals to remain undefeated on the season.

(left to right): Tascha Smith, Josh Thomas, Ashley Villarreal, Daniel Krebs, Kendell Waldrop, Toran Dean, Zach Jones, and Hallie Paul.

During the 20-team state finals, HHS’ varsity team held off St. Patrick Catholic High School, Sacred Heart High School and Jackson Academy in preliminary competition, prior to besting Resurrection High School in the final round.  Competing as winners of The Hattiesburg Regional competition, the Hattiesburg High School Mock Trial Team will now represent Mississippi in the national finals in Wilmington, Delaware, May 8-11.

According to HHS Director of Forensics Scott Waldrop, this year’s case was a “whodunit,” murder mystery that resembled the storyline of the play, Phantom of the Opera. “With our strong cast of actors as witnesses, our kids felt right at home with a case about a murder that took place inside a theatre.”

This year is the 25th anniversary of both the Mississippi Mock Trial Program and The National Mock Trial Program.  Says lead attorney Daniel Krebs, who earlier garnered Best Attorney honors in regional competition, “What an honor for us to represent The Magnolia State as its Silver Anniversary Champions!” 

Other HHS team members include Hallie Paul (regional best attorney), Zack Jones (outstanding regional witness), student attorney Tascha Smith; witnesses Josh Thomas, Ashley Villareal, Mary Beth Davis, Toran Dean; and official team timekeeper Kendell Waldrop.  Coaches for the team include Teacher Michael Marks and Attorney Carey Varnado of the Hattiesburg law firm Montague, Pittman and Varnado. Says Varnado, “This will be my eighth trip to nationals as an HHS coach.  I am so proud that each year we have made the Top Ten at nationals.  This is our year.”  Marks agrees,

“With an all-senior team, we are poised to bring that national championship back to the Hub City.”

The final finish at the 25th annual finals was  Hattiesburg, state champions; Russerection runnerup; Long Beach third; Sacred Heart of Hattiesburg, fourth; Kelly Law Firm fifth; and Jackson Academy sixth.  Hattiesburg High School’s second team, coached by Lee Gore, was a Top 20 state finalist.

The Mississippi High School Mock Trial Competition is sponsored by The Young Lawyers Division of The Mississippi Bar.  Tax deductible donations to help defray the cost of traveling to the national championships may be sent to HHS Forensics, 301 Hutchinson Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS  39401.