CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Rotary Club of Clearlake recently awarded cash prizes to four students from the Konocti Unified School District for submitting a 600 word essay on Rotary Club’s Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do.

Rachel Boyd won first place and received a $500 cash award. Courtney Cox won second place and received $300, third place and $100 went to Kristi Heitz and Shannika Chandler took fourth place and a $50 cash award.

“The Rotary Club’s slogan is 'Service Above Self,'” said essay contest chairman Richard Bean.

The slogan challenges individual Rotary members around the world to place others as a priority, to help those in need of assistance, and to make our community and world a better place to live.

A main guide or process that a Rotarian uses before he or she serves others is the Four-Way Test which is comprised of four questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good-will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Applicants were given the assignment to describe how using the Four-Way Test in their life at the present time or in the future could affect their behavior, or that of their friends, family and/or the culture of their school.

Boyd's winning essay is published below.