Decorah's Peggy Beatty named to Mock Trial Hall of Fame

Former Decorah Midlle School teacher and Mock Trial coach Peg Beatty is pictured with 8th grade students Cady Peterson and Leila Johnson

Retired Decorah Middle School teacher Peggy Beatty was honored at this year's Mock Trial State Tournament awards ceremony as one of the first inductees into the Educator Coach Hall of Fame.

Beatty was recognized by the Iowa Chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates for her significant contribution to the Iowa Mock Trial program and for her vital role in teaching Iowa's youth about the American justice system and the 7th Amendment to the Constitution. Numerous DMS teachers, administrators, and former students nominated Beatty for the award.

When her name was announced at the state Mock Trial awards ceremony, the three Decorah teams at the event spontaneously jumped up and gave her a standing ovation. Since her retirement as a teacher at Decorah Middle School, Beatty has volunteered every year as a Mock Trial coach.

"Peg has unflappable dedication to the success of the Mock Trial program. She faithfully works with students during and after school, judges scrimmages, and travels on the bus with teams to regional and state competitions," commended Carole Sand, teacher of the DMS extended learning program. "Her leadership definitely plays a huge role in our continued success with this worthwhile program."