2026 Four-Way Test Essay Contest
Rotary District 5580 invites high school students in their final two years to write about the Four-Way Test and what it means in their own lives. Essays are judged blind, at the club and district level.
TOPIC
Your choice - but the essay must genuinely apply all four principles of the Four-Way Test.
LENGTH
500 to 1,500 words, double-spaced.
ORIGINAL WORK & AI
AI may help with brainstorming, research, outlining, and grammar - but it may not write the essay. Name any tools you used and say how, on the entry form. Plagiarism or undisclosed AI content may be disqualified.
BLIND JUDGING
Judges see your essay and an anonymous entry code - never your name, school, or club. Please keep your name out of the essay itself.
WHAT IS THE Four-WAY TEST?
The 4 Way Test of the things we think, say, or do is as follows:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
WHERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY?
DEADLINE
Please submit by 11:59pm (Central Time) on Monday, November 30th, 2026
Past Essay Contest Local Winners
- 2024-25 - Jalwin Grayser Jas Winston (St. Patrick HS)
- 2023-24 - Giuseppe Arcaro (St. Ignatius HS)
- 2022-23 - David Harris* (Superior CVI)
- 2021-22 - Isabella Marchand (Nip-Rock HS)
- 2020-21 - Amanda Pacholczak (St. Ignatius HS)
- 2019-20 - Isabella Bosch* (St. Ignatius HS)
* Denotes District 5580 overall winner