Four-Way Speech Contest Sponsored by Grove Rotary Club

Once again, on Wednesday, January 11, the Grove Rotary Club was giving out money! This time it was to high school students who participated in the annual Four-Way Speech Contest, sponsored by the Club.

This year the competition resulted in two finalists. Olivia Thomas, the runner up received $75 and Rebecca Lucky, the winner, received $250. The contestants attended the meeting with their Speech Coaches, Vera Yirsa and Jeffrey Haynes.

The purpose of the speech is to address an ethical issue using the principles of the Four Way Test. The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The test has been translated into more than 100 languages, and Rotarians recite it at club meetings: Of the things we think, say or do

1. Is it the TRUTH?

2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Subject matter for the speeches must come from the speaker’s experience or general knowledge; there are no restrictions on the topic and the speech must be the original work of the contestant.

The Four-Way Tests are to be addressed in the body of the speech and not reserved for concluding statements only.

Students were judged on originality, subject matter content, eye content and timing of the speech. Timing for speeches is between 4 ¾ and 7 ¼ minutes. Points were deducted for shorter speeches.

Ms. Lucky delivered her speech to the Rotary members and the video of her presentation will be submitted for the District Competition, where she could win $1000.