ASHEBORO, N.C. — There are no lazy days for these Triad students.
The Central Carolina Home Schoolers won first place at the North Carolina High School Mock Trial competition in Raleigh.
Over 100 teams from across the state, including public, private, and homeschool mock teams, participated in the regional tournaments leading up to the State Finals.
Students act out a mock trial where they are given a trial scenario based on a fictional case.
The championship round saw Central Carolina Homeschoolers as prosecutors, competing against last year’s state champion, J.H. Rose High School from Greenville, representing the defense.
Chief Justice Paul Newby presided over the round, with multiple civic and community leaders scoring as jurors. "Both teams were stellar. Hats off to JH Rose. That was the best round I've ever seen," CCH coach Darren Allen said, who is a Randolph County District Court Judge.
High School Seniors Grace O'Brien and Hailey Kramer share advice to those interested in doing mock trial.
"It's given me a community and a team to be on so I say if you're hesitant about or scared you got to step out of your comfort zone because it will benefit you in the end," Grace O'Brien said.
"And everyone starts somewhere and to get to the best you have to start from the beginning and really work yourself up to that potential that you have in you," Hailey Kramer said.
Mock Trial History
The North Carolina High School Mock Trial Program is the longest running civil education program in the state. Active since 1993, the program aims to provide students with a chance to learn about law and the judicial system. Randolph County-area programs have a history of success, with Asheboro High School winning seven state championships between 1996 and 2004.
Central Carolina Homeschoolers will go on to represent North Carolina at the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Wilmington, Delaware, beginning on May 3-4, 2024, competing against the other state championship programs from across the country.