Dinwiddie named ‘Best Small County’ for Mock Trial program by Va. Association of Counties

DINWIDDIE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Dinwiddie County has earned the designation of "Best Small County" by the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) for its Mock Trial program.

According to a county spokesperson, the Mock Trial program is a collaboration between Dinwiddie Middle Schools' Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, the Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Office, the Commonwealth's Attorney and the Department of Parks and Recreation.

"Students gain a dynamic, hands-on introduction to the judicial process by participating in one of two fictional -- yet legally accurate -- mock trials," the spokesperson said. "The program builds civic awareness, sharpens public speaking skills, and deepens students' understanding of the legal system, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of leaders."

The award reportedly marks the county's third designation as "Best Small County," with the first two occurring in 2020 and 2023. This makes for the county's 10th VACo Achievement Award.