An area high school student will be awarded the $1,100 top prize in the Annual Rotary District 5580 Essay Contest.
In addition to the top award, the Detroit Lakes Noon Club will award a $250 prize, and the Detroit Lakes Morning Club will award a $150 prize.
Rotary District 5580 offers this Essay Contest as an incentive to young people to develop their skills of self-expression and evidence of a sincere interest in the ideals of our 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.
The 4-Way Test has inspired safe driving programs, crime and drug reduction activities, and has been the subject of countless secondary school essays. The message has appeared on roadside billboards, bronze plaques and has been translated into more than 100 languages.
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The 500-1,000 word essay must be submitted in typewritten form, and the local deadline for the entries is Feb. 15.
Detailed information about Interact, the high school Rotary club, and entry forms may be obtained from the Detroit Lakes and Frazee counseling offices, or Julia Sandberg, Interact Advisor at Detroit Lakes High School, jsandberg@detlakes.k12.mn.us .
