Rotary Club Names Speech Contest Winners

The Morrisons Cove Rotary Club has announced the winners of its 2020 Four-Way Test Speech Contest held on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Northern Bedford High School. Eight contestants representing Central and Northern Bedford high schools participated.

The purpose of the annual Four-Way Test Speech Contest is to foster the principles of ethics in everyday life as well as in business and introduces high school students to Rotary. Each student is asked to write and present a speech in length no less than five minutes and no more than seven minutes. They select the topic of their speech, but should incorporate Rotary's Four-Way Test "Of the things we think, say or 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?"

Matthew Hall, a 10th-grade student at Northern Bedford High School, was awarded first place and a check in the amount of $500. Clint Curfman, a senior at Central High School, was awarded first runner-up and a check in the amount of $300. Lacey Fleck, a senior at Northern Bedford High School, was awarded second runner-up and a check in the amount of $200.

Also, competing this year were Nickolas Garner, Morgan Robison, Ian Sherlock, Allie Snider and Heyleigh Wilkins, all students at Northern Bedford High School.

Chrissy Dively, president of the Morrisons Cove Rotary Club, congratulated all the contestants for presentations.

"We are proud of all of the students who participated in the Four-Way Speech Contest," Dively said. "The poise and substance of the speeches were impressive."

She encouraged the students to continue with their public speaking, sharing that it will serve them well in whatever career path they choose.

This year's contest judges, all members of the Morrisons Cove Rotary Club, included Chrissy Dively, Chuck Gojmerac and Dan Hoover. Shana Stern, also a club member, served as timekeeper.