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 and district level.

Contest schedule

Entries due through the portal

November 30, 2026

Club-level judging

December 1–15, 2026

District-level judging

December 16–31, 2026

Club and district winners announced

Early January 2027

Entries are due by 11:59 PM Central on the closing date. Late entries are not accepted.

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, chosen on the entry form. If there is no club near you, say so and the district contest chair will match your entry with one.

Original work, and AI

AI may help with brainstorming, research, outlining and grammar — but it may not write the essay. Name any tools you used and say how, on the entry form. Plagiarism or undisclosed AI content may be disqualified.

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.