Submitted By: Brian Davis
International Baccalaureate Programme Student Wins Triple Standing in Essay Contest
David Harris, a student at Superior Collegiate and Vocational Institute was recently awarded a $500 top prize in the Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest which was sponsored by the three Thunder Bay Clubs and the Nipigon Club. According to Rotary Essay Contest Chair Lee Davis who is the Youth Services Chairperson for the Rotary Club of Nipigon, David's essay won because of its logical structure and personal application of the 4-Way Test as a moral and ethical compass in everyday interactions. Also winning locally were Anson Moorey from Superior CVI who was awarded a $200 prize for his second place essay, and Keira Meakin from St. Ignatius High School won $100 for placing third. The winning essays were chosen by a panel of judges from entries submitted to Thunder Bay and Nipigon Rotary Clubs. Harris's essay went on to compete against winning essays coming from the remainder of the 64 clubs within Rotary 5580 District which includes North Dakota, northern Minnesota, and northwest Wisconsin. David's essay was chosen 1st overall and won the Regional Prize of $250 U.S. and the District Prize of $1,000 U.S.. The contest runs annually and students in their final two years of secondary school are eligible to participate.
Rotary Clubs around the world offer this Essay Contest as an incentive to young people to develop their skills of self-expression and as evidence of a sincere interest in the ideals of our youth.
The 500-1000 word essay can deal with any topic of the student's choosing, but it must apply the principles of the Rotary 4-Way Test:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Rotary is the world's largest and oldest humanitarian service network. There are four local clubs in the Thunder Bay and Nipigon area with membership that includes and welcomes individuals who are interested in serving their community and making a difference in our world. Our clubs work to serve and financially support local and international initiatives with a primary focus on health, water, and sanitation, literacy and education, community development, the environment, and peace.
Rotary 4-Way Test group photo
Left to right:
Brian Davis (YEO, Rotary Club of Nipigon)
Karen Watt ( IB Coordinator Superior CVI)
Ryan McDonnell (Principal, Superior CVI)
Lee Davis (Youth Services, Rotary Club of Nipigon)
David Harris
Brian Walmark (President, Port Arthur Rotary Club)
Dan Brown (A.G.; President, Rotary Club of Nipigon)