CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Clarksville Rotary Club is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026 Four-Way Test Essay Scholarship Contest and invites all eligible high school students in Clarksville–Montgomery County to participate.
This scholarship opportunity encourages students to thoughtfully apply Rotary’s Four-Way Test to real-world situations and ethical decision-making. The contest is open to all local high school students, including those attending public, private, and homeschool programs. Essays must be original works between 500 and 1,000 words.
Scholarship awards will be presented to the top three local entries, with first place receiving $500, second place $250, and third place $150. The local first-place winner will advance to the district-level competition for the opportunity to earn a $3,000 scholarship. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, books, supplies, or educational savings.
Essays are due to students’ grade-level counselors by Thursday, Feb. 19. To ensure students and counselors have access to the most current materials, click on the link below for contest guidelines. 4 Way Test Essay Contest
“Rotary’s Four-Way Test challenges students to think critically about truth, fairness, and the impact of their choices,” said Dr. Marlon Heaston, who is leading the local contest. “This essay contest gives young people an opportunity to reflect on their values and how they want to show up in their schools, communities, and future careers.”
The Four-Way Test, which serves as the foundation of the essay contest, was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor during the Great Depression as a simple ethical framework for decision-making. The test asks 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? Adopted by Rotary International in 1943, the Four-Way Test has since been translated into more than 100 languages and is used worldwide in business, education, and community service.