Cadets finish second in SMC Ethics Bowl

Cadets from the University of North Georgia (UNG) battled for first place in the Senior Military College Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl and ultimately fell short by one point in the online event, bringing home a second-place finish.

The nailbiter ended with UNG and Norwich University tied with 129 points each, and the final decision was left to the judges. Two voted for Norwich — with one giving the lead to Norwich by one point — and the third judge voted for UNG. Norwich took home $5,000 prize through UNG's TRUIST Center for Ethical Leadership.

Cadet Natalie Wortham, a senior from Jefferson, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in business and military science and leadership, was philosophical about the results.

"I wish we had made first place, but I'm satisfied with the results. We put in a lot of hard work as a team on top of our classes and regular lives in order to make sure we performed to the best of our abilities," Wortham said.

Joining Wortham on the team was Piper Sheetz, a junior from Kennesaw, Georgia, pursuing a degree in international affairs.

"Placing second is something we're proud of, but even more valuable were the perspectives we gained from the other teams and the judges," Sheetz said. "Our team prepared by putting in consistent time to research the cases, challenge each other's perspectives and practice thoughtful discussion. That process helped us grow and feel confident going into the competition."

Meanwhile, Nevaeh Owen, a sophomore from Columbus, Georgia, pursuing a degree in strategic and security studies, recognized the team's dedication to the competition.

"We met weekly in the weeks leading up to the event, dissecting each case through various ethical lenses. We worked to think critically about each question and presented our analyses in a clear, professional and unified manner as a team," Owen said.

Greg Fuentes was the fourth member of the team. He is a junior from Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science.

"I'm not happy we did not come out on top, but I am super proud of the whole team for being able to effectively communicate and actually be a team," Fuentes said.

Despite the outcome, Owen remains positive. In fact, she encourages cadets and others to take part in UNG's Ethics Bowl activities.

"If any student at UNG — regardless of campus — is interested in developing stronger critical thinking skills and staying informed on current events, I highly recommend joining the Collegiate Ethics Bowl team," she said.

Dr. Rose Procter, director of the TRUIST Center for Ethical Leadership in the Mike Cottrell College of Business, and Dr. James Grindeland, lecturer of philosophy, coached UNG's team.

UNG will host the Mid-Atlantic Regional Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl on Nov. 7 on the Gainesville Campus.