Rotary Four-Way Test open to high school students

Rotary Club of Graham is hosting its annual Four-Way Test Speech Contest for all high school students next month as an opportunity to develop public speaking skills and compete for a cash prize.

The contest will be held at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, March 7 at Graham High School, with the winner of the best five-minute speech receiving $350 and the chance to compete at the regional and district level for additional prizes.

The contest is held annually to expose students to Rotary and the Four-Way Test, enhance the club’s youth commitment, heighten its awareness in the community and recognize, encourage and reward hard work and accomplishment among youth.

The Rotary Four-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?

Contest rules and application can be found at rotary5790.org/sitepage/4-way-test-speech-contest, and can be submitted to rotaryclubofgraham@gmail.com.

Students who enter must be in 9th through 12th grade in public, private or home school. The subject of “What the Four Way Test Means to Me” should be followed by applying it to an important issue in our everyday relationships with other people.

Contestants should write a speech with facts, statistics, stories, examples and quotations. The contestants can add humor and personal touches to speech, but cannot mention their names, schools, cities or the location of the sponsoring clubs.

Written scripts are not allowed, but a 3x5 card may be used. The contest will have a five-minute time limit and a 30-second grace period. Speeches are judged on the content, delivery and organization of which each count for a third of the score.

Rotary Club of Graham is within Rotary International District 5790. Three regional contests will be held in April for the winners of the local Rotary club contest. A district finale will take place Saturday, April 27 in Denton.

The prizes for the regional awards are $400 for first place, $300 for second place, $200 for third place and $100 for fourth place. The prizes for the district awards are $600 for first place, $500 for second place, $350 for third place and $250 for fourth place.