Local high school senior Morris Mims, winner of the Four-Way Test Speech Competition for Rotary District 5790, visited the Lewisville Noon club last week to share his secrets to success. In addition to writing a compelling speech, Morris said that preparation was key. Because of changes to his academic schedule brought about by the COVID-19 shut down, he was able to dedicate more time to memorizing his presentation, and as a result felt better prepared for this year's contest.
 

The Four-Way Test was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor when he was asked to take charge of a company facing bankruptcy. The 24-word test became an ethical guide for employees to follow in their business and professional lives, and was eventually adopted by Rotary in 1943. Since then, the Four-Way Test has been translated into more than 100 languages and published in thousands of ways.

 

The 73 north Texas Rotary clubs that make up District 5790 annually conduct a Four-Way Test Speech Contest to benefit high school age youth. The contest aims at familiarizing a large number of youth with Rotary and the Four-Way Test, demonstrating and enhancing Rotary's commitment to youth, and heightening awareness of Rotary among youth, parents, schools, and community. In addition, the annual event recognizes, encourages, and rewards hard work and accomplishment among youth.

 

LNR Youth Committee Chair Sue Bowman coordinated this year's contest for the Lewisville Noon Rotary Club and helped shepherd Morris through both the Regional and District competitions. Morris took home a $1000 cash prize after winning the district event. He is pictured above with Sue Bowman (right) and his mother, former Lewisville mayoral candidate Delia Parker-Mims.