Woodridge Rotary Club "Four-Way Test" Awards Announced

Two groups of students were recently awarded prizes by the Woodridge Rotary Club for their accomplishments related to the Rotary Four-Way Test.

Amaia Monjes and Kristen Almazan, both students at St. Scholastica School in Woodridge, were recently awarded cash prizes for their winning essays in the Woodridge Rotary Club’s “4-Way Test Essay Contest.” And on May 31 at Jefferson Junior High, Isabella Oberg and Sean Figuray received awards after being selected by teachers at Jefferson as showing the ideals of the Four-Way Test in their attitudes and relationships.

The Four-Way Test is one of the guiding principles of Rotary, the world’s oldest humanitarian service organization. The test is a nonpartisan, nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians in their personal and professional relationships. It has been translated into more than 100 languages and is usually recited at each meeting of the Rotary Club. Members ask themselves: Of the things we think, say and do: 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 essay contest requires interested students to discuss in a brief written statement how these four ideals apply to their own lives. A committee of Rotary club members selects the winning essays. In addition to the student awards, St. Scholastica School also received a monetary award. Woodridge Rotary has been sponsoring this contest for many years. Rotary President Lee Robertson and Service Project Chair Magin (Mike) Martinez presented the essay awards.

Students at Jefferson Junior High do not apply for the awards they receive. Selection of a young man and young woman who exemplify the ideals of the Test is done by faculty members. Mike Martinez is shown with the two Jefferson students.

More information on the Club, which has been serving Woodridge for more than 25 years, may be found at www.woodridgerotary.org. New members and visitors are always welcome.