For an eighth consecutive year, the Center for Ethics in Society at Saint Anselm College hosted the annual Ken Goodchild Regional Ethics Bowl ahead of the 2026 National High School Ethics Bowl.
In a moment flooded with divisive rhetoric, students need to learn how to listen to multiple viewpoints, assess their merits, and respond in constructive and respectful ways. This year, over 120 participants from schools across New England and New York took to the Hilltop to discuss ethical case studies before a robust panel of judges and moderators. More than 50 Saint Anselm students, alumni, faculty, staff, and local community members volunteered to participate in the fun. The panel even included a Massachusetts police chief.
“At the Center for Ethics, we seek transformation through dialogue,” says Director Marc Rugani. “We hope to contribute to the next generation’s responsible leadership that truly considers the common good, especially for the marginalized and vulnerable.”
So, how does the event work? Over three rounds and two finalist rounds, student participants work in small teams to analyze diverse cases, take a position, and present their perspective in just a few minutes. Unlike a traditional debate, teams are encouraged to work together, reinforce one another’s points, and ask questions that deepen inquiry. They must provide examples and evidence to support a recommendation for responsible action. After teams formulate an opinion on the subject, the panel evaluates the responses’ adherence to the principles of ethical dialogue.
Assistant Director of Programming and Student Engagement Hannah Deignan ’21 believes the Goodchild Ethics Bowl introduces students to a new way of navigating thorny subjects. Instead of debating and arguing, students focus on collaboration, communication, listening, and empathy. They develop critical thinking, leadership, and public speaking skills all while being educated on topics or ideas that they might not encounter in a classroom.
“Ethics bowls equip young people with the necessary skills to grapple with questions about artificial intelligence, bioengineered organs, human rights, and more,” says Deignan. “They help future leaders and decision-makers develop the lost skill of talking to people with opposing viewpoints.”
For a team to succeed at the Goodchild Ethics Bowl, they must clearly express their stance with justified reasoning, focus on the core moral components of the case, and address any potential counterarguments. Scores reflect the teams’ conveyance, clarity, and appeal to those who may counter their claim. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no requirement to have a standing opinion or prior knowledge of the topics to participate. In fact, it’s encouraged to critically consider all sides of a situation to assess the matter from an unbiased perspective.
Politics major Giles Bean ’28 was introduced to the Goodchild Ethics Bowl by a supportive high school teacher. Intrigued by the concept of a moral debate, he gave it a shot. Despite initial nerves, his confidence accelerated as he gained momentum over multiple rounds. After enjoying the experience, his teacher floated the idea of interning at the Center for Ethics. When decision day rolled around, Bean knew just where he belonged.
“In my opinion, life is one giant collage of greyscale pieces,” he shares. “There are so many factors that play into ethically ambiguous scenarios. It’s important to consider several perspectives on ethical issues because things are rarely ever black and white.” According to Bean, ethical discussions are essential for not just personal independence, but society at large.
Today, Bean partakes in the Goodchild Ethics Bowl as a judge, moderator, and Anselmian. He also serves the Center for Ethics as an undergraduate intern. Bean believes the key to individual growth is remaining open minded to different rationales.
“[Participating in] ethics bowls is a great way to meet new people from different areas. You might be pushed to think about something you’ve never considered or don’t know too much about!”
Though 18 talented teams participated, Goffstown High School came out on top. Goffstown will face first-place finishers from the Boston regional competition in an upcoming divisional round. The winner of that will head to the national championship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Events like Ethics Circles, Ethics Labs, on-campus capstones, and regional competitions all served as precursors to this coveted national championship.
“The Goodchild Ethics Bowl is a creative and compelling way to get young adults speaking [civilly] on issues relevant to them and the communities they are part of,” says Rugani. “Ethics bowls [allow] students to reflectively explore the many sides of hotly debated topics that float around social media and wider culture to consider different perspectives [to] come to a position of personal integrity on an issue.”
The Center for Ethics is committed to giving students an opportunity to address ethical challenges facing communities and organizations. For more information on the Goodchild Regional Ethics Bowl or ways to get involved, please contact Hannah Deignan.