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Rotary Four-Way Test Essay Contest
What a great way to teach students about ethical behavior! One of the world's most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The Four-Way Essay Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as Rotary International president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy.
This 24-word code of ethics for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy.
Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The Four-Way Test has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways.
Annual Essay Contest for 8th Graders
Many Rotary clubs sponsor a Four-Way Test Essay Contest for 8th graders of every public and private school in their geographical area. While the contest offers a fun way for students to share their thoughts and be eligible for cash awards, it also has a long-lasting impact on their lives.
Using the Four-Way Test in the classroom is a useful way for teachers to teach students about ethics and provide them with the opportunity to write a thoughtful essay that brings the value of integrating ethics into their everyday life.
Essay Contest Information and Guidelines
Essay Question: What is the Four-Way Test and how does each question help me stop and make the better decisions?
- The Four-Way Test is comprised of four questions:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
- Purpose of the Essay: For students to convey, in writing, their personal understanding of the “Four Way Test” and how it relates to his/her life experiences and/or society. How does it influence what they say, think, and do?
Essay Program Details
Every year, our Rotary Club works with the public and private school in our district to share the essay contest details, including guidelines, student applications and award information.
Essays are collected by our New Generations Chair and shared with our club essay committee, who reviews all of them and chooses the top three winners. Each winner (with family and friends) is invited to our club meeting to share their essay and receive their award.
Las Cruces (Rio Grande) Club Monetary Awards:
First Place - $300
Second Place - $100
Third Place - $100
District Level Awards
The winning essays from all participating District Clubs must be received by the District Four Way Test Committee Chair (date to be announced each year) to allow sufficient time for District judging, notifying the winners, and listing their names in the upcoming Rotary District Conference program.
District 5520 Monetary Awards:
First Place - $300
Second Place - $100
Third Place - $100
A $100 teacher prize is also awarded to the teacher of the first place winner. A $50 travel voucher will be awarded to the student reading their essay at the District Conference. Club-level prizes to be determined by local club. Each club is encouraged to honor local essay winner at club meeting.
Learn More
Please contact our New Generations Chair, Stacie Allen, to learn more about the specific dates of this year's contest.