Rotary District 5330 held their annual Four-Way-Test Speech Contest. The event was held on Saturday, April 30 in Beaumont, California. Sixteen students from throughout Rotary District 5330 participated in the contest and the top ten finishers were awarded cash prizes. Tristan Tan, a freshman at Western Center Academy, represented Hemet Rotary and was awarded fourth place.
Rotarians have long adopted the 4-Way-Test, created by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932, and used it as a guide both in their professional and personal lives. The test considers “Of the things we think, say or do:
- Is it Truth?
- Is it Fair to all concerned?
- Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
- Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
This year's theme was “Serve to Change Lives.” Students selected topics related to the theme and were judged on personal qualities, organization, presentation and effectiveness. The goals of the contest are to help students become acquainted with the Rotary Club, highlight the Rotary’s commitment to youth, heighten awareness of the Rotary Club amongst students, families and community and to recognize, encourage and reward hard work among the youth. Students must be in 9-12 grade to participate. Speeches must be no less than 8 minutes in length, with penalty points subtracted for time infractions at the rate of 2 points for every 15 seconds over or under the time allotted. The five regional winners will move on to the District Conference later in May, where a cash prize will be awarded to the winner and the runner-up.
Congratulations Tristan on this amazing win!