The Las Cruces Rotary Club and the Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Club announced on April 14 that they are inviting local eighth-grade students to participate in the 2026 Four-Way Test Essay Competition, which will be held on Thursday, April 23.
The competition gives students an opportunity to reflect on important values by writing about how one or more parts of Rotary’s Four-Way Test apply to their lives. The test includes four 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 will have 45 minutes to handwrite up to two pages for their essay.
Participants must register in advance by contacting Ken Martin via email or text. The registration should include the student’s name, parent(s) names, address, phone number, school, and teacher’s name. The top three students will receive cash prizes and recognition from local Rotary clubs. Winners will be announced in late April or early May and invited for a special award presentation at a Rotary meeting.
Founded in 1905, Rotary is a global service organization with over one million members worldwide. It supports community service and educational programs like this essay competition.
Las Cruces Public Schools promotes a vision where all learners thrive and honors diversity, according to the official website. The district maintains 40 schools comprising elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and collaborates with New Mexico State University through its early college high schools according to the official website. Serving roughly 23,000 students with about 3,200 staff members across several communities including Las Cruces and surrounding areas according to the official website, Las Cruces Public Schools commits to fostering a safe and equitable learning environment that emphasizes excellence and diversity according to the official website.
This event aims not only at encouraging reflection among young people but also at strengthening ties between education initiatives like those supported by Las Cruces Public Schools and community organizations.
