Submitted by: Paul Burnett, District 5580 Youth Service Chair
It is my esteemed honor to present the names of the 2025-2026 Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest Winners. With a judging group of five, essays were well considered and, once again, essayists highlighted a wide array of thoughtful topics competing in close races with very close scores. I am thrilled to congratulate ALL participants since some of the local club contests pulled their winners from a field of over 30 contestants (a monumental achievement). Given the degree of competition, thought and effort recognized in this year’s contest, I am truly privileged to name this year’s winners:
From Region #1, Karinna Del Toro from the Bismarck Club with her topic, The Power of Choosing Kindness In a Competitive World wins the region!
From Region #2, Ellie Olson from the Fosston Club with her topic, Freedom Isn’t Free, wins the region!
From Region #3, Katlyn Burns from the Central Lakes Club with her essay on social media, wins the region!
From Region #4 Miley Anderson from the Perham Club with her topic, Is Fostering Relationships Across Generations Important? wins the region!
From Region #5, Ava Klemm from the Detroit Lakes Club with her topic, Artificial Intelligence in the College Admissions Process, wins the regional prize!
From Region #6, Brayden Kupczyk from the Ashland Club with his compelling topic, Right to Repair Legislation and its Benefits in the Modern World, wins the region!
From Region #2, Ellie Olson from the Fosston Club with her topic, Freedom Isn’t Free, wins the region!
From Region #3, Katlyn Burns from the Central Lakes Club with her essay on social media, wins the region!
From Region #4 Miley Anderson from the Perham Club with her topic, Is Fostering Relationships Across Generations Important? wins the region!
From Region #5, Ava Klemm from the Detroit Lakes Club with her topic, Artificial Intelligence in the College Admissions Process, wins the regional prize!
From Region #6, Brayden Kupczyk from the Ashland Club with his compelling topic, Right to Repair Legislation and its Benefits in the Modern World, wins the region!
All Regional Winners Receive $150 in District prize money!
Unlike past years where a regional winner was also the district winner, sitting at the top of the scoring rounds were two from Region 5 separated by less than a point. That said, from the 2025-2026 group of essayists, it is my delight to state that our overall District 5580 Winner is Marley Anderson from the Thief River Falls Club with her topic, Letting Go for the Right Reasons.
The District Winner receives $1100 in district prize money!
Congratulations to all participants, to all sponsoring clubs along with the club members who support the contest and to our award winners!