4-Way Test Speech Contest
Rotary’s Four-Way Test Speech Contest: Inspiring Youth, Honoring Values
Join us for one of the most inspiring events of the Rotary year—the District 7980 Four-Way Test Speech Contest Finals, where student leaders take the stage to explore ethical decision-making through the lens of Rotary’s core values.
📍 Old Saybrook High School Auditorium
🗓️ Friday, April 26th
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
High school finalists from across the district will present powerful, thought-provoking speeches centered on the Four-Way Test—bringing voice to the challenges and choices that define their generation. Rotarians are invited not only to attend but to serve as judges, casting votes to help select this year’s winners.
🎻 Bonus: This year’s program will feature a special performance by Rotary Peace Fellow and master cellist, Diego Carneiro—a morning not to be missed!
Come be moved, inspired, and reminded of the future leaders among us.
From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of business ethics is The 4-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) when he was asked to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy. This 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising, and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the company is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary in 1943, The 4-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways.
How to Participate in a 4-Way Test Speech Contest?
Any high school student may participate in the 4-Way Speech Competition that typically is adjudicated in the spring. However, the process begins in the fall to make sure that every student has the information they need. tojoin this event.
High Schools and Middle Schools are also encouraged to participate and promote this competition throughout their student body. The benefits are enormous as students are able to gain public speaking experience in front of an actual community, and they get a chance to promote. acuase that is important to them, all frtamed around the Rotary 4-Way Test.
To participate, please locate the Rotary Club in your area, and contact them to let them know that you wish to participate in this program. They will respond and provide you all of the material necessary to begin your engagement.
Please visit the District 7980 Club Locator to find a Rotary Club in your community.