The Four-Way Test Essay Contest

Rotary District 5580 invites high school students in their final two years to write about the Four-Way Test and what it means in their own lives. Essays are judged blind, at the club, regional, and district level.

The Four-Way Test

Of the things we think, say, or do:

1. 1

   Is it the TRUTH?

2. 2

   Is it FAIR to all concerned?

3. 3

   Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

4. 4

   Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Questions, or something to send us?

Students, teachers, and parents can ask anything about the contest. Clubs can send in the people they would like set up as judges or officers, or update the contact address we use to reach them.

What you need to know

Who may enter

Students in their final two years of high school (grade 11 or 12).

Length

500–1500 words, double-spaced.

Topic

Your choice — but the essay must genuinely apply all four principles of the Four-Way Test.

Sponsorship

Every entry is sponsored by a District 5580 Rotary club. Choose your club on the entry form; they will review and endorse your entry.

Original work only

Plagiarism, including the use of AI to write any part of the essay, results in automatic disqualification and forfeiture of any prize.

Blind judging

Judges see your essay and an anonymous entry code — never your name, school, or club. Please keep your name out of the essay itself.