Two teams from Georgia Military College – Columbus and Warner Robins – competed in the National Ethics Bowl in California on February 22, 2015. The teams were given fifteen ethics cases five weeks in advance that they researched and analyzed in great detail to be able to make their decisions on how to solve them. The teams did not know beforehand exactly which of the provided cases would be called, or what questions would be asked about the cases. All of the questions are based on the ethical implications involved in the case.

Harry Turner, first-time competitor and History major, said about the competition, “This experience allowed me to go places I had never been before and allowed me to see things in another person’s aspect and from their point of view.” The team met at least 5 times per month to discuss the cases and build arguments, the individual members reviewing cases on their own time throughout the entire preparation process.

This competition included thirty-two teams nationwide and, based on points awarded by judges, GMC Columbus placed 4^th out of those.  The Columbus team competed against four other teams: Cabrillo College, two teams from Harper College, and New Mexico Military Institute. Teams would present their cases and their arguments one at a time, and the judges would choose which team best argued their case. Taylor University was the eventual overall winner of the competition.

The Columbus team has members: Harry Turner of Columbus, GA, Brianna Shoulders of Columbus, GA, Jared McPherson of Fortson, GA, and Armando Fernandez of Columbus, GA. They were coached by Dr. Keshia Easterling.