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Rotary Four-Way Test Essay Contest

2026 Contest Results (posted 5/13/2026)

The Rio Grande Rotary Club and the Las Cruces Rotary Club are pleased to announce this year's results from the 4-Way Test Essay Contest.

1st place ($300 award): Savannah Petracca (Camino Real Middle School)

2nd place ($200 award): Samuel Williams (Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy)

3rd place ($100 award): Ava Cadena (Camino Real Middle School)

Honorable mention ($50 award): Adam Cram (Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy)

Honorable mention ($50 award): Karanveer Brar (Mesa Middle School)

We appreciate the work and commitment in participating in the contest.

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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 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 think and make 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 schools in our district to share the essay contest details, including guidelines, student applications and award information.

Essays are collected 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 - $200
Third Place - $100

District Level Awards

The winning essays from all participating District Clubs are eligible for our Rotary District (New Mexico and west Texas) contest.

Learn More

Please our Club President to learn more about the specific date of this year's contest.