The Rotary Club of Hudson and the Clocktower Rotary Club combine annually to conduct a speech contest involving students from Hudson High School and Western Reserve Academy. Two finalists from each school are chosen based on the content, organization and delivery of their presentations to compete in a final contest that determines which student moves on to the District. Cash prizes are awarded for each of the four finalists.
 
                                        
Names left to right in the picture: Matt Peterson English (teacher WRA), Casey Semple (student WRA), George Wiggam (student WRA), Winner Maria Zou (student Hudson HS), Subi Simmons (hudson Hudson HS), Bryan Carr (teacher Hudson HS)
 
The Rotary 4-Way-Test must be incorporated into each contestant’s speech to rationalize and reinforce their topic. The purpose of the speech is to solve an ethical problem using the principles of the Four Way Test.  The ethical problem to be solved should be something from the speaker's personal experience or general knowledge.   The 4-Way-Test of the things Rotarian’s think, say and do includes the following:
  • Is it the Truth?
  • Is it Fair to all concerned?
  • Will it build Good Will and Better Friendships?
  • Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
The four HHS and WRA finalists finished as follows in the local contest:
  • Maria Zou, First, $400
  • Subi Simmons, Second, $200
  • Casey Semple, Third, $100
  • George Wiggam, Fourth, $100
The contest is organized locally by Rotarian Jim Ahern and the finalist judges included Rotarians Mimi Becker, Kathleen Cybulski, Ted Olson, Jay Yard and George Snider.
The Rotary Club sincerely appreciates the efforts of the faculty English coordinators from the two participating schools; Bryan Carr, Hudson High School and Matt Peterson, Western Reserve Academy.
 
For further details about the Speech Contest and information about weekly speakers, please visit www.rotaryhudson.org.