An Oakland Middle School eighth grader walked away as a finalist Saturday (4/28/2012) in Rotary's district level "4 Way Test" speech contest. 14-year old Emily Grayson Hamby was one of the three who were awarded $100 cash. All three compete for a college scholarship at the district convention May 19th at the Mariott Cool Springs in Franklin. 

Murfreesboro Rotary President Bart Walker said, "Emily delivered her talk with poise, confidence and powerful non-verbal communication. Not only was she a real pro, but Emily was one of the few speakers who focused on the subject--the 4 Way Test." 

As you recall, she finished first-place at the Murfreesboro Rotary Club's 4-Way Test speech contest on March 29th that was held at the Boys and Girls Club.  

District 6760 Governor Elect Dan McCormick (left photo)  stressed that there was no first, second or third place in the April 28th competition. "All should consider themselves winners who will next compete for first place and the scholarship." 

As mentioned, Emily Grayson Hamby represented the Murfreesboro Rotary Club. Alex Svenpladsen was there for the Franklin Breakfast Rotary Club. Brooks Lamb was there for the Lewisburg Rotary Club.

The first level of district competition was held at the Williamson County AG Expo Park, just off I-65.

How Did the "4 Way Test" Begin

What is now known as "Rotary's 4-Way Test" was born out of crisis. In 1932 Herbert J. Taylor penned: "These are the things we think, say and do. (1) Is it the truth, (2) is it fair to all concerned, (3) will it build goodwill and better friendships, and (4) will it be beneficial to all concerned?" This was not originally written for Rotary, but Taylor wrote it in 1932 for his bankrupt Club Aluminum Company. It rallied employees and within five-years Club Aluminum was out of the red and growing strong. 

Taylor went on to become president of the Rotary Club of Chicago in 1939, and international president in 1954. He gave the "4 Way Test" to Rotary International and it was adopted in January, 1943. 

(ID for photo above L-R): The Hamby family at the first level of district Rotary 4-Way Test speech competition in Franklin.  Here Craig, Emily and Stacey Hamby.