4-Way Test Speech Contest Finals at the All-Clubs Conference - May 14

Posted by Karyn Bullock 
on Jun 01, 2016
 
We heard 6 wonderful speeches at the 4-Way Speech Contest finals at the All Clubs conference.
And the winner is...
Durmerrick Ross from the Western Fort Worth Rotary Club.  Durmerrick is a senior at Arlington Heights High School 
 
This year, 39 Clubs held the 4-Way Test Speech Contests in District 5790.  Of these Clubs, 35 participated in one of the three regional contests.  Participants first had to win the contest at their club level, and then they advanced to the regional contest, where they competed against 9-10 contestants from other clubs. If a student was fortunate enough to win a local contest and advance to the regional level, they certainly made quite an accomplishment!  
 
The 4-Way Test Speech Contest incorporates the principles of Rotary.  It not only teaches our students both business and personal ethics, but rewards them for the creative way they express those principles, and gives them an opportunity to win “serious” money to help them further their education. 
Students are never limited in any way in their choice of topics. Rotarians encourage innovation and creativity in their selection, and the only criteria are that the student's presentation must specifically relate in the essay or speech to the topic “What the Rotary's Four Way Test Means to Me”.   It can be any style; humorous or serious, current or historical, ordinary or unique. The speech only needs to include in some manner each part of the "Four Way Test of the Things We Think, Say or Do", which states the following: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"
 
The test is one of the trademarks of Rotary. Since it was developed in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor, who later became Rotary International president, it has never ceased to be relevant. Its four brief questions are not based on culture or religion. Instead, they are a simple checklist for ethical behavior. They transcend generations and national borders.
 
According to Janelle Kavanaugh, 4-Way Test Speech Contest District Chair, “At every level the speakers are excellent, speaking on vibrant, interesting topics often about current events.  While we benefit from their talks, they benefit even more by learning about Rotary and speaking before a group of professionals”.  This is an event you will not want to miss.   Please join us for the All-Club Conference Celebration to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of these young men and women during the plenary session six at 1:15 pm on Saturday, May 14, 2016.
 
 
There were six seasoned judges from across the District.  They had each either judged previously or had played a major role in the Club and Regional contests. 
 
First-place winner of the District Four-Way Test Speech Contest is Durmerrick Ross from the Western Fort Worth Rotary Club.  Durmerrick is a senior at Arlington Heights High School and hopes to go to Howard University in Washington, D. C. to study communications.  He spoke about racial stereotypes, ending his talk with the promise that he would not be a statistic, that he would rise above any negative expectations.  Durmerrick won $1,200 for first place.
 
The second-place winner is Sanika Bhave from the Grapevine Rotary Club.  She also spoke about racial stereotypes and how she has learned to find positive aspects of being of Indian heritage.  She teaches others how to embrace their own heritage.  Sanika’s prize was $950.
 
Michaela Yandell from the Wichita Falls North Rotary Club won third place in the District Contest.  She spoke about being visually handicapped and specifically how others should speak to and treat handicapped individuals.  Her message is informative and very uplifting.  The prize for third place was $750.
 
The last two of the five contestants, Ronak Gandhi from the Fort Worth South Rotary Club and Michael Riggins from the Mineral Wells Rotary Club tied for fourth place.  They each split $400 for their outstanding talks.
All of these young people see a brighter future and will surely be successful as they create a better life for themselves as well as others.