The purpose of the Four-Way Test Speech Contest is to foster ethics in everyday life, as well as in business. The contest is designed to introduce middle school students to the Rotary principles of ethics and service, and to involve local Rotary Clubs with the youth of their communities. It also is aimed at encouraging young people to learn to express themselves well in public. In nearly every profession, the ability to express one’s thoughts and ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively is an important skill.
This year, about 40 students submitted essays. Richard Torchia, Youth Services Chair, along with Joan Broadhurst, Gail Ortenburger and Sue Robinson reviewed each of the essays and selected the 3 best.
If one of the goals of the Four Way Test Essay Contest is to encourage young people to learn to express themselves in public, it appears to have worked in this case. These three students, led off by a funny, charming and well- spoken and 7th grader, Eli Linn and followed by two of his articulate classmates, Zaul Vasquez and Shanyra Cardenas. It was a pleasure to welcome these three local students to our meeting.