Souderton's Julia Blair Wins Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Contest

Souderton Area High School senior Julia Blair has been named the winner of the Rotary International District 7430 2025 Four-Way Test Speech Contest, rising to the top after competing against talented students from across the region.

Julia earned her spot in the district-level competition by first winning the local round of the contest, hosted by the Souderton-Telford Rotary Club earlier this year. Her compelling speech, which explored ethical decision-making through the lens of Rotary’s Four-Way Test, impressed judges at every level with its clarity, relevance, and passion.

The Four-Way Test is a cornerstone of Rotary values—four simple but profound questions that Rotarians use to guide their personal and professional lives:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Each contestant in the speech contest is challenged to apply these four questions to a contemporary issue of their choosing, demonstrating how ethical reasoning can lead to positive outcomes. Judges evaluate speeches based on content, organization, delivery, and how well the speaker incorporates the Four-Way Test.

"Julia's speech stood out not only for its thoughtful application of Rotary's core values, but also for her confident and heartfelt delivery," said Ginny Vandenburg, Souderton-Telford Rotary Club chair for the Four-Way Test Speech Contest. "She truly exemplifies the spirit of ethical leadership that this contest is designed to encourage."

The Four-Way Test Speech Contest is open to high school students throughout Rotary District 7430, which includes more than 40 Rotary clubs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The annual event promotes public speaking skills, critical thinking, and a commitment to ethical decision-making among youth.

For more information about the Souderton-Telford Rotary Club and the Four-Way Test Speech Contest, visit www.souderton-telfordrotary.org.