Aurora Rotary Club Honors Local Student Orators in 4-Way Test Speech Contest

AURORA, Ohio – The Rotary Club of Aurora recently hosted its signature 4-Way Test Speech Contest, showcasing the oratorical talents of local students Alyza Kour, Anjani Panigrahi, Sushmitha Venkatesan, and Baraaah Mohamed. The competition challenges participants to apply the Rotary's ethical guide—the 4-Way Test—to contemporary issues through persuasive public speaking. Following a rigorous round of presentations, judges announced that Kour and Panigrahi will represent Aurora at the next district-level competition scheduled for April 2026.Applying the Rotary 4-Way Test to Modern IssuesThe Rotary 4-Way Test is a non-partisan ethical code used by Rotarians worldwide to measure their thoughts, words, and actions. Students in the competition must weave these four pillars into their original speeches:Is it the truth?Is it fair to all concerned?Will it build goodwill and better friendships?Will it be beneficial to all concerned?The four participants from Aurora were recognized for their ability to articulate complex social and personal topics through this specific ethical lens, demonstrating high levels of critical thinking and civic engagement.Advancing to the District Round in AprilWhile all four students received accolades for their enlightening contributions, Alyza Kour and Anjani Panigrahi were selected to move forward. The district round, which brings together the top student speakers from across Northeast Ohio, provides a platform for these young leaders to compete for scholarship prizes and further recognition. This advancement continues a strong tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence within the Aurora community.The Role of the Rotary Club of AuroraThe Rotary Club of Aurora remains a pivotal organization in fostering youth leadership and ethical development. By sponsoring the 4-Way Test Speech Contest, the club provides students with a professional environment to practice public speaking—a skill cited by educators as vital for college and career readiness. The club's commitment to "Service Above Self" is reflected in its continued investment in the local student body and the promotion of ethical discourse.