For UWC-USA students, the Ethics Bowl isn’t just about debating right and wrong—it’s a months-long exploration of how to think deeply, speak thoughtfully and collaborate with empathy. This year two school teams represented UWC-USA at the regional competition in Colorado, earning second place after a season of intense practice and reflection.
Before the competition the teams met almost weekly to discuss 15 complex ethical cases—from dilemmas involving technology and privacy to environmental responsibility. “Both teams were very nervous during the first round,” Yarui, one of the group leaders, shared. “But by listening to each other, summarizing weaknesses and proposing ideas that moved perspectives forward, we found ways to improve and come back stronger.”
That sense of teamwork extended far beyond those on stage. Observers gathered feedback, substitutes offered support and faculty sponsors Maria and Judi guided from behind the scenes. “Ethics Bowl is a collective effort and our win is a result of months of hard work from all stakeholders,” Yarui said.
Reflecting on the experience, Yarui noted how leadership can be as challenging offstage as on it. “I learned how to balance constructive feedback with encouragement and how to communicate under stress,” they said. “Sometimes being on the sidelines feels like being a football mom cheering her children on!”
Through competitions like this students deepen their sense of ethics not only as an academic pursuit but as a lived practice of listening, reflecting and growing together.