Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts from Dallas won the 47th annual Texas High School Mock Trial Competition on March 7 at the George Allen Courthouse in Dallas.
The team will represent Texas at the 2026 National High School Mock Trial Competition, which is scheduled to take place in Des Moines, Iowa, from May 7 to May 9.
More than 25 high school teams from across Texas participated in this year’s competition, arguing a hypothetical civil court case created by local attorneys with the Dallas Bar Association. The participating teams had advanced through their school districts and regions before reaching the state level. Judges and attorneys acted as jurors to select those who demonstrated strong preparation and presentation skills. Students took on roles as prosecution and defense attorneys as well as witnesses during the trial simulation.
Uplift North Hills Preparatory in Irving finished second, while El Paso High School and Talkington School for Young Women Leaders in Lubbock tied for third place. Individual honors included Reese Elder of Booker T. Washington receiving the Outstanding Advocate Award; Price Jenkins of Providence Classical School earning Outstanding Witness; and Ainslie Ely of Plano West Senior High winning first place in Courtroom Artists. Ely will also compete at nationals in Des Moines.
Additional information about the competition can be found at texashighschoolmocktrial.com.
