Essay Contest for Interact Students
Rotary District 7470
Essay Contest for Interact Students
Four-Way Test Essay
Deadline - March 31, 2014
1st Prize – Laptop Computer
(This application is available online at
under general info tab)
Who is Eligible?
Rotary District 7470 invites students who are members of an Interact Club sponsored by
a Rotary Club in District 7470 to write an original essay on the topic of the “Rotary Four-way Test.”
Rotary International
Rotary International is a worldwide organization dedicated to humanitarian service both locally and internationally. There are 1.2 million members in 34,000 clubs in 200 different countries. Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self”. Rotary’s guiding principle is the Four-Way Test, concerned with promoting high ethical standards in both the personal and professional lives of Rotarians.
The Four-Way Test
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Purpose of the Essay Contest
The purpose of the Four-Way Test is to foster ethics in everyday life, as well as in business. The Essay Contest is designed to introduce high school students to the Rotary principles of ethics and service. It is also aimed at encouraging young people to learn to express themselves in writing. In nearly every profession, the ability to express one’s thoughts and ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively is an important skill.
Essay Theme
Why and how can I apply the Four Way Test to My Life? It must explore one or more of the Four-Way Test questions.
Directions and Guidelines for submitting an essay
One essay per student
Student must be an active member of an Interact Club
Essay must be typed in Microsoft Word double-spaced no more than 1000 words (2 ½ pages double spaced). Essay must be the original work of student working individually.
By submitting original work student isconsenting to the release of submission to Rotary District 7470 for reproduction in District and Club Newsletters/Websites and publication in local media and press.
How will participants be recognized and awarded?
1st place prize will be a HP Laptop Computer
2nd place prize is $100.00
3rd place prize is $50.00
Winners will be invited to read their essay and accept their award and certificate of achievement at the Rotary District Conference to be held at the Hanover Marriott on Saturday, April 26, 2014.
Judging and Criteria
All essays must be original works and will be judged on the ability to apply the Four-Way Test to the student’s life--past, present or future.
Content (50%)
Application of The Four-Way Test in the writer's life (20 points)
Use of examples from peer group and life experiences (15 points)
Human Interest appeal and "color" in examples and writing style (15 points)
Organization (35%)
Neatness of essay (5 points)
Introduction that captures reader's attention and establishes the major essay theme (10%)
Development of ideas that are presented in clear, logical order, with smooth transitions between ideas, and supported with good examples (10%)
Clear, concise message of creative, real application of The Four-Way Test (10%)
Language (15%)
Spelling (5 points)
Punctuation (5 points)
Grammar (5 points)
Submissions
Deadline March 31, 2014. Late applications will not be considered.
Submit essay and Entry Formelectronically to
Or mail
Barry Kroll, District Governor
27 Laurel Way
Madison NJ 07940
Rotary District 7470
Contest for Rotary Interact Students
Four-Way Test Essay
Entry Form – Deadline March 31, 2014
Name of Interact Club:______
Name of Sponsoring Rotary Club:______
High School Attended:______
Grade:______
If Applicable
Name of Faculty Advisor:______
Name of Rotary Club Liaison______
Applicant Name:______
Address:______
City, State, Zip______
Phone Number:______
Email Address:______
I certify that I am an active member of an Interact Club and participate on a regular basis. I further certify that my essay is an original work written by me working individually.
Yes No
Signature:______
Date:______