Character education is something that is sorely needed among the young people in our society today. While much time is spent teaching students the importance of reading, writing, and arithmetic, the importance of maintaining a high moral standard is something that is often neglected. The Rotary Club of Pelham does its part to correct this by hosting an essay contest each year among students at Pelham High School. The essay must focus on how each student applies the principles of Rotary’s Four-Way Test in their daily lives.

The essays are collected and read by a panel of judges consisting of Pelham Rotarians. The judges then select a winner, first runner-up, and second runner-up. The winning students are then asked to join us at one of our weekly meetings where they are presented with a monetary prize and asked to read their essays to the club.

Students at Pelham High School always participate in large numbers. We feel that there is a major benefit to the students, even if they don’t win. Each participant is forced to examine the principles of the Four-Way Test and consider how those principles impact their daily lives. It is our hope that they will think of these principles even after the contest is over so that we all can benefit.