Chamblee’s Mock Trial team will not move on to the state competition; however, the team earned two individual honors.

Chris Babatope, a second-year team member, won Outstanding Lawyer for his performance as a lawyer for the defense.

“I was told my opening statement was pretty good,” said Babatope. “I just really had to concentrate.”

Dui Lu, as Hunter Sherlock, earned the honor of Outstanding Witness.

Only twelve of the team members participated in the actual competition against seven other teams.

Social studies teacher Brian Mitchell has led the team for three years now.

“I was extremely impressed with the team’s preparation,” said Mitchell. “This is our third year competing. You can tell the strides and growth the team has made.”

Chamblee has a young team this year dominated by juniors. Sophomore Roddy Jones is the youngest member. With such a young team, they are hopeful for next year’s competition. 

“We did okay,” said Jones.

“We’ll probably do a lot better next year. We’ve got a lot of people coming back.”

Babatope also shares a positive outlook for next year.

“I was mad we didn’t win,” said Babatope. “Hopefully, next year we’ll be a lot better since everyone will be used to it. Everyone will know the rules.”

Mitchell is already setting high aims, too.

“Our goal is to make it to the finals,” he said.

Mitchell thanks parent and lawyer Steven Westby for his support as the “attorney coach.” Westby is not connected with any of the team members.

“He really goes all out for these kids,” said Mitchell.

In addition, the Georgia Mock Trial competition includes a Journalism division. Contestants view part of the trial and then must write an article on what they have seen.

Blue and Gold staff writers David White and John Glasser were the only two competitors. Consequently, they are the regional winners by default. After judging at the state level, they may have the chance to travel with the Georgia Mock Trial team to Charlotte, North Carolina for the national competition.

Though the season is over for this year, Mitchell reminds students to sign up in November for next year. The team is specifically looking for drama students to play the witnesses.