High School Student Four-Way Test Speech Contest

Contest Documents

2026 High School Student Four-Way Test Speech Contest Students begin by competing in their Club-level contests, with winners advancing to their Area competitions. Winners from all 13 Areas in District 5930 will then move on to the 2026 District Championship on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm in Los Fresnos, TX.

The District Champion will have the opportunity to deliver their speech at the District Conference on April 25, 2026, in McAllen, TX.

 
THE FOUR-WAY TEST
 
During the spring semester, many Rotary Clubs hold a Four-Way Test Speech Competition. It is a competition offered to high school students where the student must prepare a five to seven-minute speech to illustrate the Rotary Four-Way Test.
The student is judged on Content (50%), Organization (30%), and Delivery (20%).
 
The student must follow the Four-Way Test Theme throughout, must relate the speech to his/her own activities, must present a human-interest appeal, and must choose language that is clear, vivid, and persuasive. The student must demonstrate organization of thought, including an introduction, clear and orderly points, and a brief conclusion that drives home the point of application. And finally, the student must be effective in his or her speech delivery, including volume, grammar, gestures, and attitude toward the audience.
 
Rotary’s Four‑Way Test, translated into more than 100 languages, asks:
  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?
High school students prepare a 5–7 minute speech applying the Four‑Way Test to a real‑life issue.
 
Judging Criteria
  • Content – 50%
  • Organization – 30%
  • Delivery – 20%
Students must relate the topic to their own experiences, include a human‑interest element, use clear and persuasive language, and demonstrate strong organization and delivery.
Rules
  • Open to all high school students in District 5930.
  • Speech length must be 5–7 minutes (strictly enforced).
  • Speech must relate to the Rotary Four‑Way Test.
  • Note cards are allowed, but memorized speeches often score higher.
  • Students may compete at multiple Club contests if allowed by the Club.
  • Students may change speeches when competing at different clubs.
  • Past District first‑place winners may not compete again at District level.
  • Do not disclose Club names or schools until after judging.
Judges
It is essential that judges be Rotarians who understand both the contest and the Four‑Way Test. The contest coordinator should hold a brief 10–15 minute meeting with the judges at the Club, Area, and District levels to review rules, procedures, and any questions. Each competition should have three to five judges.
 
Club Level
  • 3 or 5 judges recommended
  • Ideal judges: Past Presidents, educators, English/Speech/Drama backgrounds
Area Level
  • 3 or 5 judges recommended
  • Hold a judges’ meeting to ensure consistent scoring
  • Judges should not sit together or be introduced until after the contest
District Level
  • 5 experienced Four‑Way Test judges
  • Judges remain anonymous until the competition ends
Timekeeping
  • Speeches under 5 minutes or over 7 minutes are disqualified.
  • Timekeeper signals:
    • “2” at 5 minutes
    • “1” at 6 minutes
    • “1/2” at 6.5 minutes
  • Signs should be 8.5" × 11".
  • Times are shared only after all contestants have spoken.
Awards
Club & Area Levels (Typical Ranges)
  • 1st Place: $200–$300
  • 2nd Place: $100–$200
  • 3rd Place: $75–$100
  • 4th Place: $25–$50
Additional notes:
  • Consider awarding all Area contestants.
  • Area expenses should be shared among Area Clubs.
District Level
  • 1st Place: $1,500
  • 2nd Place: $1,000
  • 3rd Place: $750
  • All other District contestants receive $100.
Award Handling
  • Clubs/Areas may distribute awards as they choose.
  • Monetary awards do not violate UIL rules.
  • If awards are held until graduation, provide a certificate and letter.
  • Area awards may be distributed by a designated Club treasurer.
  • District awards will be handed directly to students or mailed if preferred.
Contest Coordination & Deadlines
Club Contests
  • Must be completed by Saturday, March 14, 2026
  • Club coordinators submit the following for 1st & 2nd place winners to the Area Coordinator:
    • Full name
    • Email
    • Mobile phone
    • Club affiliation
Area Contests
  • Must be completed by March 25, 2026
  • Area Coordinators submit the same information for 1st & 2nd place winners to: District Four‑Way Test Contest Chair: Anna Putegnat Garcia
    • Email: annaputegnat@gmail.com
    • Phone: (484) 319‑1455
  • Deadline: 5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 29, 2026
District Contest
  • Winners from the 13 Areas in District 5930 will compete in the 2026 District Contest.
  • Saturday, April 11, 2026 in Los Fresnos, TX.
  • Students report at 1:15 p.m.
  • Judges report at 1:45 p.m.
  • Area Coordinators arrange transportation and lodging for Area winners
  • Sponsoring Clubs cover hotel costs
  • District provides lunch for contestants and one guest (Lunch will be served at 12:00pm)