News for Collegiate School Families and Friends
Spring 2017
Eighth Annual Ethics Bowl Encourages Civil Discourse
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wo teams of Collegiate seniors went head to head during the final round of the School’s 8th Annual Ethics Bowl in December. Prior to the finals, a total of six teams had competed in five rounds over the course of the fall semester. In the Ethics Bowl, student teams compete by presenting a position related to a real-world ethical case, with an emphasis on economics and public policy decision-making. Unlike a traditional debate, Ethics Bowl participants are not assigned opposing views; instead the competition depends on how thoughtfully teams have examined their case and how clearly they can state their position. The brainchild of Upper School Senior Seminar teacher Rhiannon Boyd, the event allows students to address difficult topics in a civil manner. “It’s all about skill building,” said Mrs. Boyd, who competed in a similar event as a college student and saw the positive impact it could have in the lives of students. As coordinator, Mrs. Boyd recruits judges who weigh in on the students’ presentation of their position. Each team chooses from a list of cases compiled by the National High School Ethics Bowl. Team A, comprised of Olivia Brown, Jack Kachel, Nick Morrison, Kyle Riopelle, Jack Sroba and Virginia Syer, tackled an issue involving contraception. Team B’s Anna Galanides, Sam Hunter, Austin Jupe, Parker Reed and Kate Surgner handled a question about tobacco use.
At the Collegiate Ethics Bowl, Team A strategizes as coordinator Rhiannon Boyd moderates from the podium.
Team B proved the winner of the competition and students from both teams represented Collegiate at the Virginia High School Ethics Bowl, held on the Collegiate campus in January. “The Ethics Bowl reflects who we say we are so fully as a School with responsible citizenship,” Mrs. Boyd said. “Listening to the ideas of others makes you better. It’s good for everybody.”
Team B emerges the Ethics Bowl winner.