The Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society will host the “Martinsville Middle School Mock Trial” as part of its Sunday Afternoon Lecture Series on Sunday, March 16, at 3 p.m., at the Historic Henry County Courthouse, 1 East Main Street, Uptown Martinsville.
Under the guidance of teacher Beverly Woody, Martinsville Middle School students will present a personal injury case involving a teenager who was injured as a passenger in a car where the driver was texting.
Students participating include Gyanni Benitez, Jackson Branch, MacKenzie Church, Jeffrey Cousins, Gavin Davis, Chloe Eanes, Kamiyah Gipson, Taimir Manns, and Michelle Simacek. Other coaches include Belinda Hairston, Chennetta Schoefield, Davis Byrd, and Phillip Wizeman.
“I am so grateful for their help because some of the kids that want to participate are extremely shy and want to learn to speak in public. Having five coaches gives the children much more intensive practice,” said Woody, who was selected the 2025 Martinsville City Public Schools Teacher of the Year.
“Thanks for giving these children the opportunity to come out of their shell and see what they can do,” she added.
Admission to the Sunday Afternoon Lecture series is free. The Historic Henry County Courthouse is fully handicapped accessible. The Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Museum will be open following the presentation.
