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"Take a chance on yourself and go for it!" These powerful words from past winner Jason Davalos capture the transformative spirit of Rotary District 5330's Four-Way Test Speech Contest. This youth-focused program has become a launching pad for confident communicators and ethical leaders across our communities.
The contest invites high school students to craft speeches incorporating Rotary's Four-Way Test principles: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? What begins at the club level with pizza lunches and coaching sessions culminates in district competitions where young speakers showcase their remarkable talents while competing for cash prizes.
District Chair Mary Scott reveals the program's comprehensive support structure, including partnerships with Toastmasters and specialized coaching materials like the "Speech Sandwich" framework. Past winners Jason and Peyton share compelling testimony about how the experience shaped their futures—Jason now applying his communication skills with vulnerable patients as a nursing student, and Peyton pursuing journalism with an ethical foundation rooted in Four-Way Test principles.
"It doesn't define you as a speaker," Peyton reminds future participants about competition rankings, emphasizing that the true value lies in finding your voice and connecting with an audience. Beyond public speaking skills, the program provides networking opportunities, potential scholarship connections, and a pathway to continued Rotary involvement.
Ready to get involved? Contact your local Rotary club or reach out directly to Mary at [email protected]. Don't miss the upcoming showcase featuring this year's winners at Benedict Castle on April 6th—tickets available at district5330.org. Subscribe and share the Community Heroes of Hope podcast to spread the word about this and other impactful Rotary programs!