For the second consecutive year, a team of West Virginia University School of Pharmacy students earned the national title in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Student Mock Trial Competition.
The annual competition brings together students from pharmacy schools across the country. AACP is the national organization representing pharmacy education in the United States.
The WVU School of Pharmacy team included Alexandria Swafford, Madison Bodor, Madison Maynard, Elena Dye, Justin Legg and George Habib. They were mentored by Dr. Marina Galvez Peralta, teaching associate professor, and Dr. Taylor Thompson, clinical assistant professor.
During the final round, WVU competed against Virginia Commonwealth University in a debate on direct-to-consumer drug advertising, arguing in support of the position.
Organizers recognized both finalists for their strong performances, noting that the programs have consistently ranked among the competition’s leading contenders in recent years. In the competition’s five-year history, WVU has earned three national titles and finished as the runner-up once. 
“It is truly an inspiration and an honor to witness how these students thought outside the box and used their critical thinking to learn beyond what is discussed in the classroom setting,” said Dr. Galvez Peralta. “They collected information and interviewed experts in the field to be better prepared. I am very proud of them.”
“The success of this experience was a result of the students’ hard work, dedication, and commitment to one another as a team,” Dr. Thompson added. “They got together as a team on various occasions to brainstorm ideas, prepare their evidence, and practice delivering their arguments. I was especially impressed by their teamwork throughout the preparation process.”
The AACP Student Mock Trial Competition gives student pharmacists an opportunity to strengthen their advocacy, critical-thinking and communication skills through simulated legal proceedings. The experience also allows students to connect with peers from pharmacy programs across the country and build professional relationships that can continue throughout their careers.
Complete results from the 2026 competition are available on the AACP Student Mock Trial Competition webpage.