Hatboro-Horsham student advances to finals in national competition

The Hatboro-Horsham School District community has a reason to celebrate after one of its students captured a regional title in a competition.

Adrianna Pastorino, a junior at Hatboro-Horsham High School, won the Regional Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Competition and now will advance to the finals later this month.

The Rotary International Four-Way Test Speech Competition is a youth public speaking contest designed to encourage ethical leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills among high school students. Organized by local Rotary clubs, the competition challenges students to develop and deliver speeches that apply the principles of the Rotary Four-Way Test to real-life situations.

The Four-Way Test serves as a guide for ethical decision-making. It asks four key 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?
   

Students participating in the competition use these principles to explore topics such as integrity, leadership, community responsibility, and ethical challenges facing society.

Participants typically present speeches lasting about five to seven minutes before a panel of judges. Speeches are evaluated based on organization, clarity, delivery, and how effectively the student incorporates the Four-Way Test into their message.

Winners at the local level often advance to regional or district competitions, where they compete against students from other schools. The event not only promotes public speaking skills but also encourages young people to think thoughtfully about ethics, fairness, and leadership in their communities.