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Northview Student Named Finalist In Rotary Four-way Essay Contest

A Northview High School junior was recently named a finalist in a Rotary Club essay contest.

Jessica N. Bloodworth was selected as finalist for her essay on the topic “Why is the Rotary Four-way Test relevant?”.

She was presented a commendation certificate and a $200 check from the International Rotary Club of Pensacola Suburb and West (SubWest Rotary).

The Rotary Four-Way test was created in 1952 by Chicago Rotarian Herbert Taylor. This test is about the things we think, say or do. “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” He asked employees to memorize the Four-way test and make a habit of checking their thoughts, words and deeds against it every day.

Pictured above: Bloodsworth receives a certificate of commendation and a $200 check from Rotary member and contest chair Wendy S. Simon. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Bloodsworth’s essay is reprinted below in its entirety.

Ready, Aim, FIRE!

The military brings unthought of relevance to the Rotary Four-Way Test today. Our nation’s armed services are the direct truth, they show fairness, bring goodwill and friendships to others, and are beneficial to all concerned for many reasons. These reasons are displayed through the foundation of a well-regulated militia, the selections process of honorable men and women, charity for the needy persons of this nation, and the comradery among fellow service men.

To begin, in the country’s present time of need due to the war in Iraq and economic troubles, there is a demand for a steadfast foundation such as the military. The military is the truth because it was written into our country’s constitution–the need of a well-regulated militia– by our founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson. This prestigious organization, the military, brings feelings of security as people look toward and analyze one thing; the honest truth. In the military trust plays a vital role not only among soldiers, but of the government as well. If the men and women in the line of duty don’t trust each other then directions aren’t going to be followed and lives are going to be lost. The faithful citizens who serve must trust the decisions of the government officials and one another in order to carry out their jobs efficiently in which effect the American citizens who trust the government and military actions as well. Therefore, trust–I believe–is a necessity to be right at the heart of American values and subsequently at the heart of the military’s values as well.

Proceeding on, fairness is very essential in playing a role in the military. As men and women enlist or become commissioned officers in the armed services, there are specific rules and regulations in place to insure the country’s well-being that must be followed. For example, prospective soldiers must not have serious pre-existing health conditions or criminal records. This would cause national security problems, endanger their fellow co-workers, and cause discrimination if these rules weren’t in place. In addition, once outstanding men and women are chosen to serve, it is very beneficial and in the country’s best interest that only the most outstanding people are qualified to provide national security. Not only is qualification a must on the person’s own behalf, but a senior enlisted soldier or an officer must extend fairness among his/her fellow subordinates to make sure that everyone is doing what they’re suppose to be doing to make tasks run smoothly and delegate to give others a sense of importance. To note, extreme fairness should also be extended to those who are serving or who have served in our nation’s armed forces and have been held as a prisoner of war or a position comparable to receive special recognition and compensation for their grief and sufferance.

Last but not least, although the military is usually a word mentioned in serious conversation or context, it is also about the brotherhood and the family bonds that are established. As there are approximately 5,000 sailors onboard an aircraft carrier, which is much like a floating city, there are numerous friendships made during the time deployed. The people onboard establish bonds that last far beyond their cruise at sea. For instance, as I watched the episodes of the documentary Carrier this past summer, I keyed in on the fact that “..it’s just like a floating high school out here.” was mentioned. And to some extent I’m sure it’s true. Much like a high school setting a ship is portrayed to be full of lasting friendships, personal drama, affectionate relationships, and even professional disputes that may occur. Thus, as all of the personalities and ethnic backgrounds collide it is genetically programmed in the nature of humans to help one another and bring goodwill to each other in their time of need no matter what personal conflicts they may face because especially in the military you’re a team and a family. To deviate, in addition to helping one another the armed services also sponsor and donate time and money to various charities and needy individuals such as the Salvation Army at Christmas time and rescuing victims of natural disasters.

In summary, the military brings relevance to the Rotary Four-Way Test today because it is the truth, it casts fairness on those involved, it brings goodwill and builds better friendships, and it is beneficial to all concerned. The relevance is displayed through security along with our country’s constitution, guidelines for service, brotherhood, and charity. Like Douglas MacArthur once said, “A better world shall emerge based on faith and understanding.”