2026 High School Ethics Forum Inspires Arizona Students to Lead with Integrity
On February 6, students from high schools across Arizona came together in Bear Down Gym for the 19th Annual High School Ethics Forum, hosted by the Eller Center for Leadership Ethics. Students joined university leaders, business executives and community mentors for a day focused on ethical leadership and community partnership.
This year’s forum marked the largest gathering to date, with 200 students from 24 schools, 22 Eller student facilitators, and 26 community volunteers guiding small-group discussions built around real-world case studies and structured moral reasoning.
“For nineteen years, the High School Ethics Forum has provided a platform for students to engage in rigorous ethical analysis of real-world dilemmas,” said Paul Melendez, founder of the Center for Leadership Ethics and University Distinguished Outreach Professor. “By examining stakeholder perspectives and applying structured moral reasoning, students learn that ethical leadership is not abstract. It is a disciplined practice that shapes decisions, organizations, and communities.”
Using the Center’s Objective Model of Analysis for Moral Problems in Management, students tackled challenging cases such as Land at Harris Neck: Refuge or Residence? and Disney: In the Crosshairs of the Governor. Through interactive discussions, they explored competing stakeholder interests, long-term consequences, and the responsibilities of leaders in complex situations.
The forum opened with remarks from Melendez, Title Sponsor Peter Preovolos, and Sandra Sagehorn-Elliott, CEO of Vantage West Credit Union. Closing reflections were delivered by Irene Coppola, CEO of Better Business Bureau Southern Arizona, and Sandi Kinghorn, COO of Kinghorn Law | Financial.
This year also marked a milestone for the Center, as Peter Preovolos joined the CLE Advisory Board and will serve as head sponsor for the forum over the next five years.
Peter Preovolos
“Six months ago, if someone had asked me if I had ever heard of the Eller Center for Leadership Ethics, I would have had to say no,” Preovolos said. “As I have come to learn and experience firsthand, it is beyond what such an organization could possibly impart to students. Eller is in a class of its own.”
He praised the Center’s mission to engage students early in ethical leadership. “Eller is unique in higher education, especially in its goal to show high school students how critical living an ethical and moral life is to future success. If we are to ensure that this nation continues as a leader, we must embrace these standards.”
Reflecting on the day, Preovolos added, “I was incredibly impressed with the caliber of intellectual awareness demonstrated by these students. I left feeling confident that America will be further blessed as these individuals assume the reins of leadership in politics and industry.”
Supporting sponsors for the event included Better Business Bureau Southern Arizona, Vantage West Credit Union, and the HSL Lopez Family Foundation. Sponsors contributed as speakers, facilitators, and mentors, underscoring the strong partnership between the university, business community, and civic leaders that defines the forum.
For nearly two decades, the High School Ethics Forum has reinforced a clear message: ethical leadership is intentional, disciplined and essential. With participation growing each year, the forum continues to equip the next generation with the frameworks, tools, and conviction to lead with integrity.