On Feb. 2, the Dekalb County courthouse was full of ongoing trials and debating high school students. Students played the role of attorneys, witnesses, time keepers and court artists as they argued against other schools and presented a case before a judge. After a make-up round took place on Wednesday the 6th, Decatur’s mock trial team won first place.

Following the construction of the new courtyard in Decatur High School, administrators have installed a new security system: a blue emergency phone. The emergency phones have been very successful in mitigating crime due to its easy use and bright lights discouraging any would be perpetrators.

On Feb. 14, 17 people were killed in a school shooting in Parkland, Florida. The shooter, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz was charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder.