Rotary's 4-Way Test Speech Contest
From the earliest days, Rotary has been concerned with promoting high ethical standards. One of the world’s most widely quoted statements is Rotary’s 4-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor.
Every year Rotary districts around the world sponsor high school 4-Way Test contests. Though COVID precautions have eliminated our district's in-person 4-Way Test competition, this year’s competition will be held during our Virtual District Conference.
High school students, grades 9 through 12, are eligible to participate. Each contestant chooses the topic of his/her speech. The purpose of the speech is to persuade others while applying the principles of the Rotary 4-Way Test. The goal is for students to make the world a better place, to practice the virtues of critical thinking and ethical decision making, to develop public speaking and leadership skills to positively influence and inspire others regarding an issue that they find passionate.
THE ROTARY 4-WAY TEST
Of the things we think, say, or do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. was proudly represented by three DC students from both our CHEC and Richard Wright PCS Interact Clubs at the 4-way test district competion this year. This is the first time in over a decade that DC students (and our students at that) participate in the district speech contest.
DC Rotary Club members, Marilyn Nevy Cruz and Michelle Ems served as mentors to the students to better prepare them for the competition.
Despite this being their first time participating in the district speech contest, one of the three students made it to the June 13th semi-final round. Although she was not selected as one of the final four contestants competing in the district conference on June 26th, she represented our Club, Richard Wright PCS, and Washington, D.C. with pride and joy! We look forward to hearing from her and the other students at President Elect Nancy Riker's club assembly on July 8th.
PS: A special shout-out to Michelle Ems for serving as one of the four panel judges in the semifinals this past Saturday. Washington, D.C. and our Club was well represented at this wonderful event!
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