F E A T U R E A R T I C L E J u s t i n K. F a h r i n g e r – O’ B r i e n & H a t f i e l d, P A
JudgerobertJ. SimmshighSchool mocktrialCompetition
the2026hillsboroughCountyJudgerobertJ. SimmshighSchoolmocktrial Competitionfeatured11schoolsfromthe6thand13thJudicialCircuits.
The 2026 Hillsborough County Judge Robert J. Simms High School Mock Trial Competition featured 11 schools from the 6th and 13th Judicial Circuits, competing for the privilege of participating in the State Finals in March, with an opportunity to go to the National Mock Trial Competition in May in Iowa.
After several rounds of inspired and engaging competition lasting until dark, Bell Creek High and Plant High School met again in the 13th Circuit championship, while the 6th Circuit championship featured annual champ Fivay High School and newcomer Osceola High.
The two trials lasted into the night, with both teams spending every ounce of endurance and energy, resulting in a fantastic finish that shined.
Bell Creek defeated their favorite rival Plant to capture the 13th Circuit championship, and like their namesake, Osceola, with“ noble savagery,” scalped the 6th Circuit championship from Fivay’ s five-year-long reign!
We are incredibly grateful to Judges Emily Peacock, Richard Martin, Christoper Nash, Marc Makholm, and
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