Rachel Hamilton earned top honors this week by winning first place in the District Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Contest that was held at Southern Tech in Ardmore Jan. 31, taking home a $1,000 award that was presented to her by Bill McAngus, Assistant District Governor and Pauls Valley Rotarian.
Representing Pauls Valley Rotary Club, Hamilton delivered a speech on the topic “What is the History of the Rotary Four-Way Test and How Can Using it Improve Lives?”
Her speech traced the origins of the Four-Way Test—written in 1932 by Rotarian and past Pauls Valley Rotary President Herbert J. Taylor during a time of economic crisis.
He worked to turn the Club Aluminum Products Company around and highlighted how four simple questions continue to offer a powerful moral compass for youths, adults, and companies today. Judges praised Hamilton for her clear delivery, strong research, and ability to connect Rotary’s ethical framework to real-life situations facing young people.
Pauls Valley was well represented at the contest, with Kaycen Jones also competing and earning praise. She was presented her award by District Governor Michael Ridgeway. Local Rotarians expressed pride in both students for their preparation, poise, and commitment to Rotary values.
Each young lady’s accomplishment adds to the community’s tradition of excellence in the Four-Way Test program and reflects Rotary’s ongoing mission to encourage ethical leadership among youth.
