(posted December 15, 2008)

The State Middle School Mock Trial Competition was held on Dec. 6, 2008, in Lexington, SC, at the Mark H. Westbrook County Judicial Center. Ten middle schools from across the state qualified for this event based on their performance at regional competitions held on November 22. Two teams advanced from Horry County:  North Myrtle Beach Middle School and Forestbrook Middle School. North Myrtle Beach Middle School placed second in the state coming in as First Runner Up to Springfield Middle School from Fort Mill, SC. Forestbrook Middle School is ranked fourth in the state. 

Winning awards from North Myrtle Beach were Austin Taylor who was recognized for Most Effective Attorney in two rounds, and Brooke Hagler and Ariyana Gore who were recognized for Most Effective Witness for the rounds in which they competed.  This is the second consecutive year that North Myrtle Beach Middle made it to the championship round and earned First Runner-Up. 

Members of the winning team include: Andrew Brucker, Shannon Cherney, Hannah Edge, Storm Evans, Taylor Evans, Macey Freeman, Ariyana Gore, Holly Gotto, Brooke Hagler, Kennedy Hayes, Heather Hiley, Tori Lane, Bailey Phillips, Austin Taylor, Dallina Vera, and Forrest Yates.  Mock Trial advisors are Mrs. Brenda Kidd and Mrs. Colleen Taylor.