HAHIRA — Valwood School placed second in Region 1 of the Georgia High School Mock Trial Competition in Albany and will advance to the District Championship.

The Valiants went undefeated in three rounds of trial competition. In the first round, Valwood’s Defense squad defeated Lowndes High. In the second round, Valwood’s Plaintiff squad defeated Monroe High. And in the third round, Valwood’s Plaintiff squad defeated Deerfield-Windsor.

The competition also included Valdosta High, Lee County High, Sherwood Christian, Dougherty High, Columbus High and Colquitt County High. As the competition hosted ten schools with each team competing three times, not all teams went head-to-head, and overall placement was determined by total points scored over the course of the day.

“I am thrilled that we had such a successful Region showing and are advancing again this mock trial season,” said Valwood coach Daryn Beasley. “We have a District Championship to defend.”

The Valiants won several individual awards. Team Captain Hannah Ward won Outstanding Attorney in both of her competition rounds. Team Co-Captain Alberto Garcia won Outstanding Attorney in his round. Senior Christabel Ofori won Outstanding Witness in the second round. These three students, along with senior Craig Shapiro, were also recognized by Georgia High School Mock Trial for their contributions as four-year mock trial players.

“I commend our senior leadership for making our program what it is,” said Beasley. “Some of them have been leading us since they were freshmen.”

The District Competition will be held Feb. 22 in Columbus. Advancement to the State Finals will be on the line.