Flint Hill’s commitment to experiential learning was on full display recently in Dr. Christine Allred’s English II Honors course, where students didn't just read “The Great Gatsby” — they put its characters on trial.

For the past five years, Dr. Allred has culminated her Gatsby unit with a highly anticipated mock trial of Daisy Buchanan, a main character in the book. This exercise is designed to hone critical skills essential for success in advanced English courses or any field requiring persuasive communication and analytical thinking.

"Most of the students in this class will go on to AP English Language and Composition," Dr. Allred said. "They have to make arguments and analyze rhetoric. The mock trial uses all the skills that we’re building this year, and it prepares them for next year."

Students dedicated two full class periods to crafting their cases. The prosecution meticulously devised their goals for questioning each character, while the defense independently wrote and refined their questions. The rest of the class, portraying the novel's iconic characters, delved deep into their roles, anticipating leading and non-leading questions and solidifying their characters' "stories" within the narrative. Dr. Allred spent time with each group, reviewing their work and helping them revise.

When “trial” day arrived, the atmosphere was electric. Judge Gigi Maurice ’27, clad in a judge’s robe, presided over the proceedings with command. Daisy Buchanan, portrayed by Sydney Norris ‘27 in a severe white bob wig and dark sunglasses, sat stoically beside her defense attorneys, a trio of students sporting whimsical pink wigs as a callout to a pink suit Jay Gatsby wears in the novel. The prosecution, led by Sebastian Rudd ‘27, laid out the four counts against Ms. Buchanan: conspiracy to commit murder, aiding and abetting murder, criminal negligence, and obstruction of justice.

In the mock courtroom, George Wilson (Harrison Atwater ‘27) underwent a sharp interrogation by Francesca Pedry ‘27 for the prosecution. Charlie Lindsay ‘27 shone in his portrayal of the police sergeant, while Sienna Assaly ‘27 demonstrated remarkable confidence in her cross-examinations. Every student was dressed for the part, from the prosecution's professional attire to George Wilson’s mechanic’s outfit and Nick Carraway’s (Kevin Jameson ‘27) tweed blazer. Even Jay Gatsby (Shayne Joglekar ‘27) took the stand, offering an accidental confession that had the courtroom buzzing.

Jordan Baker (Sammie Weinstein ‘27) offered a spirited defense of Daisy's complex situation, presented a compelling counter-narrative. After passionate arguments from all sides, the jury of Flint Hill faculty and staff deliberated.

“You had to prove that Daisy Buchanan was the driver of the car, and the prosecution just didn’t do that," explained jury member and Chief Human Resources Officer Melissa Holder-Murray to the class. "And that’s why we found her not guilty on all counts."

The class later reviewed their performance and did a full debrief. “There are so many details to discuss. We talk about how the novel holds up to the trial. And, of course, we celebrate them embodying the characters,” said Dr. Allred.

While Daisy Buchanan walked free, English II Honors students emerged from this experience as clear winners. They deepened their understanding of rhetoric and practiced the art of persuasive communication in an engaging and memorable way. This mock trial is just one example of how Flint Hill’s innovative curriculum and exceptional teachers empower our students to thrive, fostering critical thinking, confidence, and a passion for learning that extends far beyond the classroom walls.

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