THUNDER BAY – Isabella Bosch, a Grade 12 Student at St. Ignatius High School was awarded a $500 top prize in the Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest. According to Rotary Essay Contest Chair Ken Boshcoff, “Isabella’s essay won because of its logical structure and personal application of the 4-Way Test as a moral and ethical compass in everyday interactions.” In addition to the top award, Bosch’s essay is competing at the Rotary District 5580 level for an opportunity to win another $1,100 USD.
Rotary Clubs around the world offer this Essay Contest as an incentive to young people to develop their skills of self-expression and as 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. Company personnel were asked to learn the test and to observe it as a guide to every aspect of business. As a result, a climate of trust and goodwill gradually developed among dealers, customers and employees, and the 4-Way Test were credited with returning the company to a thriving status.
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.
Bosch’s essay was chosen by a panel of judges from entries coming from Thunder Bay and Nipigon and applied the principles of The Rotary 4-Way Test to the topic of consumerism. The 500-1,000 word essay was submitted electronically prior to the December 10th deadline. Bosch’s essay is now competing against essays coming from the remainder of the Rotary 5580 District that includes, North Dakota and Northern Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.
In addition to Bosch’s prize, Sonny Hamel from Nipigon-Red Rock District High School was awarded a $200 prize for second place and Nicole Shaw from Superior CVI won $100 for placing third. There were seven entries in total from High Schools in Thunder Bay and Nipigon-Red Rock.
