For the past three years, Concord Academy has placed dead last in the Ethics Bowl—failing to win a single match.
This year, CA’s team overcame two big obstacles to win the entire competition.
The team—captained by Leo Cunningham ’25 and Drew Michaeli ’25, and featuring Calvin Johnson ’25, Daniel Xu ’25, Lena Harsanyi ’27, Cendric Lin ’27, Sam Lutzker ’27, Orly Simon ’27, and Audrey Mason ’28—faced challenges from the get-go. “After Lexington High School’s [team] dropped out, the organizers had to find substitutes,” said Leo, “Drew and I were recruited and we joined a team…[called] the Leftovers.”
The team, now without its captains, faced off against Boston University Academy, where they were asked to debate the ethics of impersonating typically adult behaviors, such as allowing minors to drink mocktails. Despite a strong showing, the team narrowly lost to BUA by just one point, after splitting the three judges. Audrey Mason ’28, who sat out the round, said, “From a [spectator perspective], it felt like there were some strengths and some things to improve.” Regardless, the team kept their spirits up, and with this experience under their belt, they felt more prepared for the next round. Phillips Andover, another strong opponent, was on deck.
CA was once more handed a difficult dilemma and asked to argue whether there was a moral difference between human-human and human-AI relationships. “Our approach was to really emphasize the inherent value of humans, even if it might be a little difficult to prove,” said Calvin. The team not only made a strong argument for their case, but also presented a solid commentary on Andover's arguments—ultimately allowing CA to claim its first-ever round victory. “[It was] just a super exciting moment,” said Audrey.
In order to clinch a spot in the playoff bracket, however, the team would have to surmount a daunting task. Winsor, a team that handed CA a whopping four losses in the past two years, would be their final opponent. “Tensions were definitely high heading into that final round,” Calvin said with a laugh. The team was tasked with arguing whether individuals had an obligation to post social justice stances on digital media, ultimately arguing that posting was morally good but not required. After probing a highly organized Winsor team with insightful questions and unveiling a number of flaws in their arguments, CA came away with their second Ethics Bowl win. “It was a good feeling all around,” said Sam Lutzker ’28.
After an ethical lunch of falafel, hummus, and salad, the team found out that they had made the playoff bracket. The organizers allowed Leo and Drew to rejoin the team, bringing CA back up to full strength. Their first opponent? A rematch against a fully-fledged Andover team. Cool and composed, CA contended that tourism should be regulated at the discretion of local populations. After fending off a round of difficult judge questions, the team emerged on top, with a ticket to the finals.
Nearing 6 p.m., the team, tired and hungry, piled into a spectator-stacked classroom buzzing with anticipation for the final. Across them sat Medford High School, the same team that placed fourth in nationals just two years ago. Like all day, CA was the underdog—especially when they were asked to identify the purpose of punishment in a civil society. But they took the challenge in stride, effortlessly flowing from competitor to competitor in what may have been their most impressive showing all day. Medford, however, mounted a similarly compelling performance in debating whether artists are obliged to credit their inspirations.
When all was said and done, the room was silent. There wasn’t a person in the room who knew what to expect. And then, the judges bellowed: “Concord Academy.” “It felt like a fever dream,” said Leo. “It took a couple of days for it to sink in that we actually won.” Sam said, “Smiles, the only thing I remember is everyone’s faces glowing.”
The underdog story was complete. With the 2025 New England Ethics Bowl win under their belt, CA is looking toward the future. With one of the youngest, but experienced teams in the league, CA will be a dominant force in the Ethics Bowl for years to come.