The Garrett County Bar Association recently hosted a celebration banquet honoring local high school students who participated in the Maryland MyLaw Mock Trial Competition. Both county high schools field teams, which compete against other teams in the region. The local squads split the head-to-head competitions 1-1, with Southern retaining the county trophy based on overall points.
The banquet celebrated students who spent several months preparing for and competing in Mock Trials — an academic competition that gives students the opportunity to step into the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a simulated trial. Working from a provided fact pattern, students analyze facts, develop case theories, prepare witnesses, deliver opening statements and closing arguments, conduct direct and cross-examinations, and argue objections under rules of evidence, all before volunteer judges and attorneys. Mock Trial challenges participants to think critically, speak persuasively, work as a team, and perform under pressure — developing skills that will serve them well in law or in other fields of study.
ASA Mary Burnell, President of the Garrett County Bar Association, spoke at the program and praised the students for their hard work this year. “Our local bar is supportive of this program and of all of you,” Ms. Burnell commented. “We have watched your performance the last few years and I am impressed with how much you have learned and grown.”
Northern Garrett participants for 2025-2026 included Eden Rankin, Mikayla Frazee, Sarah Hamilton, Ellie Jackson, Ava Anderson, Abby Secrist, Graham Call, John Maust, Liv Maust, Lucy Debose, Maddie Smith, Rowan Wind, and Skyla Molek. The team was coached by Nicole Jackson with Arnold Phillips and Robert Allen serving as Attorney Advisors.
Southern Garrett participants for 2025-2026 included Bekah Campbell, Gwyneth Browning, Levi Martin, Kriya Leggett, Annie Guthrie, Maeve Eiswert, Alaina Rinker, Kolton Heinrich, Natalie Bell, Ari Healey, Amir Anderson, Andrew SanJulian, Megan Moreno, Michael Lantz, and Cadence Natividad. The team was coached by Sara Shaffer with State’s Attorney Christian Mash serving as Attorney Advisor.
Numerous local attorneys volunteer their time as trial judges for the local competitions, which occur at courts in Oakland and Cumberland. The Maryland Judiciary has also been supportive of the local program, with both Judge Stephan Moylan of the District Court and Judge Justin Gregory of the Circuit Court volunteering as trial judges and attending the banquet. In addition, Amanda Mattingly, who serves as Treasurer of the Garrett County Bar Association, organized the celebration.
Through programs like Maryland MyLaw Mock Trial and the GCPS/GCBA “Law Day” Program, the Garrett County Bar Association continues to invest in the future of our community.
