On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Fallston High School’s Mock Trial team achieved a historic milestone for HCPS, becoming the first team in county history to advance to the Circuit 3 Championship Mock Trial Match. The match, held in the prestigious Ceremonial Courtroom of the Towson Historic Courthouse, pitted Fallston against The Park School in a fiercely contested competition ultimately decided by a single tie-breaker point—one of the narrowest possible margins in Mock Trial play.

Although Fallston will not move forward to the statewide Mock Trial “Elite Eight,” their unprecedented advancement marks a moment of celebration for both Fallston High School and Harford County Public Schools. Throughout the season, both the Fallston Plaintiff and Defense squads remained undefeated across all preliminary matches hosted at the Harford County Circuit Court, as well as during the Circuit Court for Baltimore County playoffs. Their championship appearance reflects not only exceptional preparation and teamwork, but also the team’s deep commitment to legal reasoning, public speaking, and civic literacy.

Led by Teacher Coach Alyssa King and Anthony DiPaula, attorney coach, Fallston’s roster featured a talented and deeply dedicated group of students, including Erin Dorsey, Mac Fisher, Cole McCumbers, Anna Newman, Joe Reinhardt, Sammy Evans, Regan McLaughlin, Colt Warner, Gabriella Blasko, Samantha Newman, Sydney Nwachukwu, Carly Constantino, Finnegan Rebasti, and Ben Humphrey. Over months of preparation, these students studied an official Case File created by MyLaw, complete with procedural guidelines, rules of evidence, witness affidavits, and documentary exhibits. Students took on roles as attorneys, witnesses, timekeepers, and bailiffs—each position requiring extensive rehearsal, critical thinking, and mastery of real-world courtroom practices.

Trials throughout the season were evaluated by volunteer judges and practicing attorneys who offered professional feedback and scored teams based on legal strategy, witness credibility, courtroom decorum, and fidelity to the Maryland Rules of Evidence. This rigorous, immersive experience mirrors real trial practice and provides students with powerful opportunities to apply Social Studies concepts—such as civic processes, constitutional principles, and legal reasoning—in authentic contexts. Advancing to the Circuit Finals places Fallston High School among the strongest Mock Trial programs in Maryland and marks a significant achievement for Harford County Public Schools. The team’s success showcases the strength of student leadership, academic dedication, and the value of experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in law, government, and public service.

Fallston’s achievement serves as an inspiring moment for the broader HCPS community and underscores the district’s dedication to expanding high-quality, real-world learning in Social Studies. The team’s historic season stands as a testament to perseverance, intellectual rigor, and the power of student advocacy and voice within Maryland’s judicial and civic landscape.