Put the Four-Way Test to Work: Rotary’s Annual Essay Contest
Rotary offers young people opportunities to learn, grow, lead, and make a difference. Following another successful year of Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp, students have another opportunity to put their ideas into action and win prize money!
Rotary District 5580’s annual Four-Way Test Essay Contest invites students to explore the principles that guide Rotarians in everything they think, say, and do:
· Is it the truth?
· Is it fair to all concerned?
· Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
· Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
These four questions encourage honesty, fairness, goodwill, and consideration for others, values that are just as important today as ever.
A Creative Challenge for Students
Rotarian Scott Soderberg offers the following poem as an introduction to the Four-Way Test and the ideas students can explore in their essays:
4-Way Essay
I like the way it rhymes the message it offers is perfect for these times
Is it the truth, a simple, important ask but it requires a steady mental compass rather than a simple task
Is it fair to all concerned, does everyone involved receive what they have earned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships will the result be a lasting feeling of fairness and equality, not hardships
Will it be beneficial to all concerned did all parties come out better and was something valuable learned
Students are encouraged to find creative ways to illustrate the four qualities. They might draw from personal experiences, consider how the principles could shape their future decisions and relationships, or take an entirely unexpected approach that surprises the judges. The goal is to let young minds explore these important ideas while having some creative fun.
Recognition and Prizes
The contest offers students a chance to showcase their creativity and understanding of the Four-Way Test, with prize money available at both the district level and through participating Rotary clubs. It’s exciting to give young people the opportunity to reflect on the values that matter, and put the Four-Way Test into words to inspire!
Submit essays and direct contest inquiries: https://web-production-9a2ad.up.railway.app
Complete entries are due through the District 5580 Essay Contest portal by November 30, 2026. Each entry must include the student's essay and the completed Student Information Form. Late entries, paper copies and incomplete submissions will not be accepted
Contest Schedule
- November 30, 2026: Entries due through the District portal.
- December 1-15, 2026: Club-level judging.
- December 16-31, 2026: District-level judging.
- Early January 2027: Club-level and District-level winners announced.