In mid-March five Whitehall High School students participated in our annual 4-Way Test speech contest with topics ranging from the mental health crisis in children and accessibility of college tuition to transgender athletes and the effectiveness of the prison system.
All high school students, grades 9 through 12 are eligible to participate in the contest. Each contestant chooses the topic of his/her speech. The purpose of the speech is to persuade others while applying the principles of the Rotary 4-Way Test. The 4-Way Test asks the following four questions of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Their stellar entries made it difficult, but ultimately the judges selected Isabella B. as the winner. Her moving and persuasive speech focused on the restrictiveness of the minimum wage system.
Isabella went on to represent Whitehall High School and our Club at the Regional Contest on April 6th, where she placed third.