Rotary Club seeks 2011 speech contest participants

GREENCASTLE -- Putnam County high school students are invited to take part in Rotary's annual speech contest.

The topic this year is Rotary International's "Four-Way Test."

The Four-Way Test was devised by Herbert Taylor in the 1930s when he took over a struggling company. He tried to come up with ethical guidelines for the company. He eventually settled on four questions:

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?

Contestants are asked to compose a five- to seven-minute speech on the topic. The speech should be memorized, but contestants may use notes at the club competition.

The Rotary Club of Greencastle will host the local contest at its March 9 meeting. The club meets at noon at the Inn at DePauw. Prizes are $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.

The winner of the club event will move on to the district competition on April 9 in Carmel. District contest winners will receive the following prizes: $500 for first, $250 for second and $100 for third.

Interested students should pre-register with the local club by Feb. 25. Entry forms are available in the guidance offices of the four Putnam County high schools.

For more information, contact Lauralee Baugh at 653-6122 or llbaugh@jimbaugh.com.