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4-way test for sixth-graders

Students write about how experiences fit Rotary test

Photo by Mike Lamb Four-Way Test essay winner Hannah Gordon makes her to the front of the group of Marshall Middle School sixth-grade students on Friday to accept her award. More than 180 students participated in the essay contest.

MARSHALL — Sixth-grader Hannah Gordon tiptoed through the crowded floor inside the Marshall Middle School commons area on Friday.

Rotarian Dallas Dammen had just called her name and her classmates cheered. Dammen announced that Gordon was the first-place winner in the Rotary Four-Way Test essay contest. The Four-Way test has been part of Rotary’s vocational service ideal since 1943.

According to sixth-grade teacher Jean Mather, more than 180 students wrote essays this year. The Rotary Four-Way test includes: 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 were taught the history of the Four-way test and to find a way in which something they have done fits the test,” Mather said.

Gordon wrote about a young family that has been parking their mobile home outside the Hy-Vee grocery store every summer since 2015.

“The family asked for food and gas because they had run out of both,” Gordon wrote. “My mom and I were walking up to Hy-Vee when we saw them, we asked them how they were doing today. After we were done talking, we went inside. My mom and I picked up some healthy fruits to bring to them. … They were so thankful and appreciative, it made me smile and feel good inside. The next year we did the same thing.”

Gordon also wrote it was the truth. But it wasn’t fair to all concerned.

“Millions of people don’t have enough food,” she wrote. “About 34 million children suffer from malnutrition.”

Jake Novotny was the second-place finisher. He wrote about how Meals on Wheels is a charity that benefits the community. Cadence Brink took third with her essay on how people in Minnesota waste 12.4 tons of garbage every year and the damage that is caused by people littering.

“I think it (the essay) teaches them they have to look outside of how the world affects them,” Mather said. “How it affects other kids.”

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