At the District Conference we had the pleasure to listening to the five finalists in the 4-Way Speech Contest and the winner of the 4-Way Essay Contest.  I have always been amazed at how the students weave the 4-Way Test into the topic of their presentation. 

 

We also witnessed the transition of the District Leadership for the 4-Way Speech Contest from PDG Ken Roberts to PDG Una Martone. 

 

On behalf of the District, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to PDG Ken Roberts for shepherding this program for District 7390.  It was at the 2009/10 joint District Conference that we heard our partner district present the finalists for their 4-Way Speech Contest.  We were so impressed with the program that we decided to start it in our District.

 

Ken Roberts has provided the leadership and has been the driving force for the past nine years.  I would also like to express our appreciation to be Jeni Roberts for all that she has done for she has been Ken’s right arm throughout these years.  Ken and Jeni have the support of a dedicated group of Mid-Level Coordinators who are responsible for organizing the regional competition.  

 

Ken and Jeni, you truly embody Rotary’s Service Above Self.

 

Thanks go out to all of our clubs who sponsor the 4-Way Speech and Essay Contests.  For those clubs who currently don’t participate, I encourage you to consider offering this program in your local school district.

 

While I am talking about youth, I would like to give a shout out to this year’s Youth Exchange students.  They created cultural theme baskets that were raffled off at the District Conference and raised $1503 for the Youth Exchange program.  Thanks go out to the students and their counselors who prepared the baskets.