Rotary sets Essay Contest

An area high school student will be awarded the $1,000 top prize in the Annual Rotary District 5580 Essay Contest. Six $100 regional winners will also be selected.

Rotary District 5580 offers the 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 the youth. All students in their final two years of high school are eligible to participate.

The 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?

The Rotary 4-Way Test was first conceived in 1932 at the height of the Great Depression by a Chicago businessman, faced with the challenge of saving a major company from bankruptcy. Looking for a way to save the company, he sought a short yardstick of ethics that could be used. Company personnel were asked to learn the test and to observe it as a guide to every aspect of business. As a result, a climate of trust and goodwill gradually developed among dealers, customers and employees, and the 4-Way Test was credited with returning the company to a thriving status.

The 500- to 1,000-word essay must be submitted in typewritten form, and the local deadline for entries is March 1.

For more information and entry forms, contact Jim Ukestad by e-mail at jukestad@csicable.net or by telephone at 251-1791.

Tags: community, education, rotary, essay, contest