Alamance Community College Mock Trial Team Finishes Second Nationally

Alamance Community College’s mock trial squad secured second place at the Third Annual National Community College Clash on Dec. 21–22, marking a major accomplishment for the program and for students in Alamance County. Competing against leading community college teams nationwide, ACC was recognized for disciplined legal reasoning, persuasive advocacy and cohesive teamwork.

Hayden King was singled out by tournament organizers as the Outstanding Attorney for courtroom presence, argumentation and professionalism, an honor that highlights the caliber of student preparation at the college. The recognition of individual performance alongside the team finish signals the program’s ability to develop both trial skills and leadership.

Coach Dr. Kevin Sargent expressed pride in the students’ accomplishment and confirmed the team will continue its season in February, traveling to Charlotte to compete in a four-year college mock trial event. That upcoming appearance is a rare opportunity for a community college team to face four-year institutions and represents a significant milestone for ACC’s program and its students.

The local significance reaches beyond trophies. For Alamance County, ACC’s success represents an accessible pathway into legal education and public service for students who may not immediately pursue four-year degrees. Mock trial participation builds skills in critical thinking, public speaking and evidence-based argumentation that translate to careers in law, policy, social services and health advocacy. Those skills are increasingly relevant to local efforts to address structural drivers of health, such as access to care, patient rights and community-level policy decisions.

Community colleges often serve students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, and a strong mock trial program can expand representation in the legal profession over time. Increased access to legal training at the community college level can help broaden who is available to provide legal assistance in areas such as housing, employment and health-related legal needs—matters that directly affect health equity in the county.

ACC’s national showing may also attract attention from local partners and funders interested in workforce development and civic engagement initiatives. As the team prepares for the February competition in Charlotte, the program’s momentum could translate into deeper community ties, internships and mentoring opportunities that help students convert courtroom experience into long-term careers that serve Alamance County.

The team’s performance at the National Community College Clash underscores the broader role community colleges play in building civic competence and addressing inequities, offering a local example of how educational programs can support both individual advancement and community well-being.