The annual Whitehall Area Rotary Club 4-way speech competition took place Feb. 25 at Fellowship Community in Whitehall.

Students competing in the annual contest offered not only poised presentations but also insight into the concerns of high school students. Every student participating in the competition selects a topic that appeals to them. They are judged on originality, content and delivery.

Students must apply the principles of the Rotary 4-Way Test as a means of persuasion. The 4-Way Test asks the following four questions: 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 club’s event is open to all high school students in grades 9-12. The speech needs to be five to seven minutes; going longer will cause the contestant to have points deducted. The student with the highest points wins $250 and the opportunity to compete in the Rotary North Region contest, which was held March 7. All student contestants receive $50 each, and the speech must follow the following guidelines: It must be original, be five to seven minutes, have no props or audience participation and must relate to the 4-Way Test questions.

Topics presented began with 11th-grader Elena Attieh. She addressed the importance in valuing the little things and not taking things for granted.

Nico Kresge, in 12th grade, asked the question, “Is the polarization of politics dividing people?”

Student Marilyn Ogunsemore asked, “Why does one group thrive while another struggles?” She addressed the inequality of wealth.

Seniors Caroline Schmoyer and Josephine Shultz separately addressed different approaches to consumerism and waste.

Zay Rivera, in 12th grade and the winner of this year’s competition, gave a speech about “division problems in the world.”

Senior Eyad Saloum compared “the growing imbalance between screen time and time spent out in nature.”

Whitehall High School English teacher and adviser Michelle Abbadessa was credited with encouraging and coaching students through the competition process.

Club members and Fellowship Community staff participated as judges, moderators and timekeepers.