LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” Those four questions make up Rotary International’s 4-Way Test, a guiding principle for ethical decision-making.
Members of the Rotary Club of Lima heard from student winners of the annual 4-Way Essay and Speech Contest, where participants were challenged to examine real-world issues through the lens of the test. Students selected topics such as climate change, social media, youth input in decision-making, and school dress codes.
The first-place essay winner, Sofia Palmerin-Jarman of Lima schools Liberty Arts Magnet, addressed school dress codes, arguing they do not meet the standards of the 4-Way Test.
“They're not really fair, especially not to girls, because girls have a lot of restrictions. And then, compared to the boys, they have a little bit more freedom in wearing what they want, while girls have a lot more restrictions. And then I've also seen sometimes in school where people are in a dress code and they don't really get in trouble for it,” Palmerin-Jarman said.
Other essay winners included second-place finisher Presley Delph of Lima's South Science and Technology Magnet, who wrote about youth voices in community decision-making, and third-place finisher Addison Doriety of Liberty Arts Magnet, who focused on social media.
In the speech competition, Riya Naroor of Shawnee High School earned first place for a presentation on climate change.
Contest winners received cash prizes, with $300 awarded for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third. Rotary officials say the contest encourages students to think critically about important issues while applying ethical standards that promote fairness and community well-being.
