Rotary has an exciting way to tap
into the energy and vision of
local high school students!
High School Students at 2019 Regional Contest
Every year in the spring, Rotary Clubs across North Texas District 5790 challenge local high school students to tackle a question or problem by applying what is known as the Rotary Four Way Test. THEN they have to give a 5-minute speech in front of club members, family, teachers, and judges!
The Four Way Test was developed by a Rotarian who was tasked with saving a business which was seemingly destined for bankruptcy. Mr. Herbert Taylor recognized a need for culture change and he developed this code of conduct. This proved to be a successful strategy for the company and was adopted by Rotary International in the 1940s. This test is recited by Rotary members during the weekly meetings. It reads as follows:
Of the things we think, do, or say:
First: Is it the truth?
Second: Is it fair to all concerned
Third: Will it build good will and better friendships?
Fourth: Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
This year students from multiple communities stretching from Abilene to Flower Mound to Mansfield and all parts in between have been competing since February at the local club level. Many of the contests have been by Zoom due to our environmental circumstances. Each club coordinates with local high school students (public or private schools, home school) to find those interested in participating. In 2021 we have had 27 clubs participating in the contests: Abilene, 2 Arlington clubs, Azle, Burkburnett, Burleson Area Mid-Day, Cleburne, Decatur, 2 Denton Clubs, 3 Fort Worth clubs, 2 HEB/Mid-cities clubs, Eagle Mountain Saginaw, 2 Flower Mound clubs, Graham, Grapevine, Keller, Kennedale, Iowa Park, 2 Lewisville clubs, Mansfield, Mineral Wells, and Stephenville. The first place winner from each club moves on to the Regional contest with the top 3 winners from each of the two Regional contests moving on to the District.
Winners from each club have the opportunity to compete one of 2 Regional contests and then District level with top performers at each level being awarded cash prizes which for 2021 are as follows:
Each Regional contest: 1st prize: $400, 2ND prize $300, 3rd prize $200, 4th prize $100
District contest: 1st prize: $750, 2nd prize $650, 3rd prize $550, 4th prize $450, 5th prize $200, 6th prize $100.
This is an exciting opportunity for the students to share their thoughts and to re-energize Rotarians about the use of a commonly recited tool! But you need not be a Rotarian to utilize these guiding principles.