With support from a grant from The Guilford Foundation and its Youth Advisory Group, a group of Guilford High School students traveled to the University of Connecticut to compete in the state competition of the National High School Ethics Bowl, an experience that challenged them to think critically, listen carefully, and engage respectfully with complex issues shaping today’s world.

Facilitated by English Department Chair George Cooksey, the initiative was supported in providing students with an authentic learning experience centered on deliberative dialogue and ethical reasoning. Through months of preparation, students explored case studies involving topics such as personal autonomy, technology, equality, healthcare, education, and the justice system.

The idea for bringing Ethics Bowl to Guilford began with GHS alum Riley Mullett ’23, now a student at Duke University and participant in the collegiate Ethics Bowl program. Inspired by the format, Mr. Cooksey introduced Ethics Bowl-style discussions into his AP Language and Composition classes during the 2024–25 school year. The conversations quickly resonated with students, leading to the formation of Guilford High School’s inaugural Ethics Bowl team this year.

The team included Addison Woodhouse, Emma Vittorio, Liana Clune, Philipp Bewersdorf, Thane Hardy, Ethan Parker, Kellen Rinehart, Sofi Hall, and Sophie Hughes. After months of preparation and weekly discussions, the students traveled to UConn for their first statewide competition, where they won two of four matches in a strong debut performance.

Unlike traditional debate competitions, Ethics Bowl emphasizes collaboration, thoughtful discussion, and the ability to understand multiple perspectives. Students are encouraged not simply to “win” an argument, but to work together in exploring the ethical dimensions of difficult questions.

The Guilford Foundation and its Youth Advisory Group were proud to support this effort through a grant that helped cover competition expenses and transportation costs. Programs like Ethics Bowl reflect the kind of meaningful educational opportunities that help students grow not only academically, but also as thoughtful and engaged members of the community.

As Ethan Parker, one of the student participants, reflected, the experience fostered “critical thinking, an open mind, and, most of all, collaboration between people willing to ask questions, share their unique perspectives, and listen to those of others.”