Dr. Siobhan Nash-Marshall Regional High School Ethics Bowl

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025, Manhattanville University hosted the 10th Annual Westchester County Regional High School Ethics Bowl. The Marshall Institute for Ethical Thought & Action coordinated the event in tandem with the Mary T. Clark Chair of Christian Philosophy. This year, organizers with the Marshall Institute were happy to announce that the event will be renamed the Dr. Siobhan Nash-Marshall Regional High School Ethics Bowl. Dr. Nash-Marshall, beloved Philosophy professor, Mary T. Clark Chair of Christian Philosophy, and accomplished author and scholar, passed away in December 2024. This year’s Ethics Bowl became an opportunity to celebrate and continue the legacy of an incredible woman.

The Ethics Bowl is a tournament style competition in which high school students are invited to debate case sets covering a wide range of important ethical and moral topics. The student teams are judged by a panel of volunteers on their ability to clearly articulate their ideas with tact and respect for their opponents. Volunteers this year included lawyers, court judges, professors, religious and civic leaders, and various other professionals. The event fosters critical thinking skills and civil discourse: skills necessary to navigate the world. The Ethics Bowl is organized by the Marshall Institute for Ethical Thought & Action, founded by Dr. Nash-Marshall. An Institute sponsored internship is offered to Manhattanville University students. The internship involves current students in the planning and execution of the Bowl, providing them the opportunity to develop key professional skills including responsibility, communication, organization, and teamwork.

Prof. Nash-Marshall believed the Ethics Bowl was an invaluable exercise in freedom of thought and speech. The Bowl is a forum for young minds to civilly discuss some of society’s most important and challenging questions. It is an opportunity for students and community members to network, develop friendships, and learn from one another.

This year’s Ethics Bowl was a testament to our growth: 12 high schools, 145 high school students, and 58 volunteers attended this year’s competition (including 8 undergraduate students, 26 alumni, 9 faculty and staff, and 15 professionals).

The morning began in Brownson Hall, where guests and volunteers were checked in before heading to the Pius X Theater for breakfast. Prior to Morning Announcements, students and judges were encouraged to socialize; creating connections, making new friends, and catching up with old friends. Morning announcements were given by Lindsey Eyring and Jesse Jaurez. After morning announcements, judges and teams went to their allotted matches. And thus, the first ever Dr. Siobhan Nash-Marshall Regional High School Ethics Bowl commenced! 

Across three rounds, teams debated cases on a breadth of topics ranging from AI companions to corporate boycotts. Following the third round, students and volunteers made their way to Reid Castle to enjoy lunch in its beautiful halls. The West and Ophir room were abuzz with discussion and excitement for the semi-finalist announcements.

After lunch, afternoon announcements were held in the Manhattanville University Chapel. Lindsey Eyring welcomed guests and thanked them again for their love and commitment to the event. Stephanie Havens then read a statement from Antonia Arslan, Godmother to Dr. Nash-Marshall. Former professor of Philosophy at Manhattanville, Kelly Connelly, spoke with love for our friend and teacher, Dr. Nash-Marshall, hoping to communicate a small part of her passion to the next generation. At last, Lindsey Eyring returned to announce this year's Semi-Finalists: Regis High School, School of the Holy Child High School, French-American School of New York, and John S. Burke Catholic High School.

The Semi-Finalist teams gave their best efforts in these semi-final matches, using all the skills they had cultivated in preparation for the event, and giving the volunteers and students who remained to watch the gift of an excellent spectacle. By the end of their ferocious mental battles, the finalists were called: Regis High School vs. School of the Holy Child High School. However, there could be only one victor, and Regis High School won the title of Champions. After the event, Regis went on to compete at the national level.

With the Ethics Bowl finished, the volunteers and judges, who worked tirelessly to put on the event, went to a nearby restaurant to celebrate the success of the event and the life of the woman who continues to touch all of our hearts and minds, Dr. Nash-Marshall. While the post Ethics Bowl cocktail party has always fostered amazing networking opportunities and friendships, this time we came together as a family. Despite the great loss of our favorite teacher and friend, the Ethics Bowl “family” is determined to continue to facilitate future Ethics Bowls in her honor.

The 2025 Dr. Siobhan Nash-Marshall Regional High School Ethics Bowl was a roaring success. While the event met with many obstacles, it prevailed with the help of friends and faith. The Ethics Bowl team will continue to work and improve upon the Ethics Bowl for years to come. One can only be thankful to have known such an individual as the woman who inspired us all, over 70 people, to make this event possible, and to know that she would have been so proud of everyone who participated.