March 24, 2025—Walton High School’s Mock Trial team showcased the skills and expertise they developed through the dedication of their coaches, legal mentors, and educators, earning an impressive second-place finish in the highly competitive Georgia State Championship. Competing against 118 teams from across the state, Walton’s students stood out for their legal knowledge, critical thinking, and courtroom advocacy, solidifying their reputation as one of Georgia’s top programs.

The team dominated the Region 11 competition for the second year in a row, advancing through Region and District rounds with a 5-1 record and winning 15 out of 18 ballots from evaluators. Their momentum continued at the State competition, where they went 3-0, winning 8 out of 9 ballots to enter the Final Four as the top-ranked team. In the championship match against Decatur High School, Walton fought hard in a closely contested 4-3 decision, narrowly missing the state title.

Success Built on Senior Leadership and Volunteer Support

Walton’s success was fueled by seniors Zarek Grabski, William Minard, Tyler Sprague, and Tarun Swarnam, whose leadership and preparation were instrumental in the team’s deep playoff run.

The team also benefited from the guidance of Judge Jason Marbutt and William Atkins, along with many legal professionals who dedicated their time to mentoring students throughout the season. Faculty sponsors Lynette Ebbert and Anna Stanton played a crucial role in supporting the team’s growth and success.

A Historic Season and a Bright Future

With over 30 students participating—the largest group in program history—Walton’s Mock Trial team set a new benchmark for excellence. Their hard work and determination propelled the Walton team to success on a state level.

Congratulations to the Walton Mock Trial on an outstanding season! We can’t wait to see what next year brings.