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Three North Escambia Students Win Rotary Essay Contest
December 14, 2009
Three students from Northview and Tate high schools were winners in a recent essay contest by the SubWest Rotary Club of Pensacola.
Each year the Rotary Club conducts an essay contest that enables students the power to express themselves and communicate . Contestants write a short essay on “Why is the Rotary Four-Way Test Relevant Today?”. The Rotary contest committee reads and chooses three finalists, with one being chosen as the grand prize winner for a cash reward.
The grand prize winner in this year’s contest was Lauren McCall (pictured right), a sophomore at Northview. The second place winner was Erin Freeman (pictured left), junior at Northview. Third place winner was Shawna Murphy, a junior at Tate.
The Rotary Four-Way Test states:
Of 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?
For Erin Freeman’s essay, click here (pdf).
The winning essay, “An Unexpected Gift” by Lauren McCall is reprinted below.
Rotary International is an organization of service clubs located all over the world.
The Rotary Clubs have a four way test that is used to evaluate how I conduct my daily
life. I believe “the four way test of the things we think, say, and do” is an honorable
and ethical guide to the way I live my life.
My brother and I have always been raised in a Christian home. From an early age
we have been taught right from wrong. It has always been clear to my brother and me
how my parents feel about certain issues. One such issue that they often spoke to us
about was saving yourself for the man or woman you would one day marry. We both
knew that this was the right thing to do, but also the expected thing to do
Last November, my family’s lives, attitudes, and emotions were changed dramatically
when my brother, at the age of nineteen, announced that his seventeen year old girlfriend
was expecting a baby. My parents and I were crushed and disappointed by this news. At
the time, we felt that having a baby would change their lives in a huge way and we were
right. What we didn’t realize is how much it would change all of our lives. We now
have a precious baby girl named Kaylie Madison McCall, and she has turned us into
her servants.
Before Kaylie was born my brother and I used to argue non stop. Now when an issue
comes up that I would usually fuss with him over, I think about how much I love Kaylie
and how I would not want to hurt her and I choose not to argue with him. Another
change for me is sharing my mom and dad. I was used to being the youngest and the
center of attention after my brother graduated and got a job. Now, mom and dad like to
spend a lot of their time playing with or holding their grandbaby. I also am called on
to hold Kaylie, fetch bottles, blankets, and pacifiers, and to entertain Kaylie when
needed. Has my life changed along with my brother’s? DEFINITELY!
The first question of the four way test is “Is it the truth?” It is the truth that
pregnancy out of wedlock changes lives and relationships. I have heard it said that
unplanned pregnancy ruins lives. I personally don’t believe that it ruins lives, but it
definitely changes them. For example, I used to rush home from school to watch
my favorite show on television. Now, I rush home to help tend to Kaylie.
The second question of the four way test is “Is it fair to all concerned?” In my
opinion, teen pregnancy is something that schools and service organizations should
work hard to prevent, because of the hardships it puts on many teens and their babies. In
our case, we have a big supportive family that lends help when needed. For many teens
this is not the case. I do believe it is fair because of the choices teenagers make. I wish
we could educate teenagers to make better choices and to realize the consequences of
their actions.
The third question is “ Will it build good will and better friendships?” When a baby
is born, kindness and compassion-both elements of good will blossom. My family and
I care about the kind of environment that Kaylie grows up in and therefore we are careful
in how we talk to and treat one another. We have definitely become closer to each other,
closer to members of our extended family, and closer to friends and acquaintances who
have shared similar experiences with us. For example, a sweet lady from our church
shared a story with us about how her granddaughter had a baby out of wedlock and how
the father of the baby had left her. But the point that she made very clear to us was what
a joy the baby was to their family. I feel the same way about Kaylie. She is truly a joy
to our family.
The fourth question of the four way test is “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”
The subject of this essay is in essence spotlighting one of the greatest moral debates
of the twentieth century – Abortion. My brother and his girlfriend had to make a
decision very early concerning what they felt like would be best for all those people
involved. I am very thankful that they chose to have the baby, accept responsibility, and
face the challenges that would lie ahead of them. There are so may bad things that go
with abortion. Among them are death of an innocent child, emotional illnesses such as
depression and nightmares, possible physical damage to the woman, and long term
memory of what was done. On the other hand, there are so many good things that
come from choosing life. In the case of Kaylie, she has brought joy to our lives. She
has the opportunity to grow up and do great things. She will be able to play little
league, be a cheerleader, go to college, and hopefully do something great for her
community and country. It is my belief that of the two choices my brother and his
girlfriend had, they chose the one that would be most beneficial to all those concerned.
Comments
14 Responses to “Three North Escambia Students Win Rotary Essay Contest”
Congratulations Lauren!! Your essay was well presented, your family I’m sure are proud of you as well as Mr. David and myself. I’m glad you stressed that young people have choices. Parents can bring us up in Christian homes, but if the individual themselves make the wrong choice,God will forgive if we only ask, learn from our mistakes and move forward. Sometimes we as parents forget to thank our children enough for not making the wrong choices.
We are proud of all 3 winners.
I just wanted to tell those that commented to my post, that I am a firm believer and I prefer marriage for anyone who feels confident that it’s the right thing to do and has the faith that they can do whatever it takes to make it work, baby or no baby.
I too married right out of high school and have been married for 27 years now and have raised 4 children. I was merely trying to say to the young teenagers to keep in mind that marriage is a serious committment which takes lots of effort, love, patience, forgiveness and understanding to make it work and even then it still doesn’t always work out like one hopes or plans. Don’t marry someone just because you feel it’s what your parents expect or want. It’s got to be a descision that you believe is the right thing for yourself and your life, as “for better or for worse and in sickness and in health till death do us apart” is a very long time.
People can change and life changes people and everyone doesn’t always live happily ever after!
Lauren,
You did a GREAT job, Kaylie is such a cute bundle of joy. Your story definately brings thoughts to people’s minds that usually get over looked. Good Job girl!
Congratulations Lauren! Great job on a well written essay!
I too, got pregnant then married, right after high school and can relate to a lot of the things Lauren stated. Except most of my family did not support me and wanted me to have an abortion. I am so THANKFUL I stood my ground and did not let them talk me into it. Of course it was tons of hard work and a lot of self sacrifice, but I would not change anything. Children are an absolute blessing! My kids have brought so much joy, laughter and love into my life.
I absolutely agree with Robert, who wrote — Marriage is what you make of it & sometimes marrying right after high school isn’t so bad —- I couldn’t agree more! I’ve been married since I was 18 and my husband and I will celebrate our 15 year anniversary next month! =)
Lauren – What an awesome essay…God has blessed you with great parents and you are an awesome girl as well. What a beautiful story about love and compassion. God bless and CONGRATULATIONS on winning the essay contest!
Great job Lauren!!!!!!!!!!! To S.L.B I ALSO MARRIED STRAIGHT OUT OF HIGHSCHOOL. I NOW HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 11 YRS AND HAVE THREE KIDS. WOULD I CHANGE A FEW THINGS YES OF COURSE MOST PEOPLE WOULD. BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER MARRIAGE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT. SOMETIMES MARRYING STRAIGHT OUT OF SCHOOL IS NOT SUCH A BAD THING. LIFE CHANGES WHEN YOU GET MARRIED AND IF YOUR NOT READY TO MAKE THESE CHANGES IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT AGE YOU ARE IT’S NOT GOING TO WORK OUT LIKE WE WANT.
Congradulations Lauren, such a wonderful job on your essay and congradulations to Erin Freeman also.
I’d like to say that although it is the hopes and dreams of every parent that their child be able to graduate high school and move forward to accomplish many of their goals and dreams before bringing their first child into this world, it doesn’t always work out that way because some teenagers act before they think, which will sometimes change life in an instant for not only the teenager, but their families and friends too. Parents learn real quickly, were not always in control!
As a parent myself of two step daughters, a son and daughter, I too had always had the same christian beliefs and mindset as the McCalls did that the appropriate thing for your children to do is fall in love, get married and raise a family together in a positive and loving home. However, I learned real quick like that life isn’t always cut and dry as that and your children will grow up and become young adults and have the free will to make choices in life that you may or may not agree with and life goes on .
Our son did what he thought was the right thing to do and married his teenage sweetheart and he also wanted to please his parents, only to later divorce his wife almost 5 years later. As they both grew older and developed into young adults, they both changed and grew apart. Therefore we had to stop and ask ourselves, what was gained by this and was a marriage really the right thing to do when our children are so young?
I now believe that everyone needs to do what is the right thing for themselves in any given situation that will bring about peace and happiness in every desicion that they make. Love and support your children as best you can as they make their way in this world, as they make their mistakes and/or poor judgements in life and as parents, just place their needs in the Lord’s hands to help take care of the rest. Good will come out of every crisis we face in our lives some way or another if we wait long enough to see.
Thank you Lauren for sharing your families personal experiences with everyone and the lessons that you have taken away from it and how it has changed your life and just remember that everyone has a story too, so ya’ll are not alone.
God bless
After reading Lauren’s essay, I can understand why she was the winner. It is a wonderfully written story. Reading it brought tears to my eyes, as I can personally relate to many of the things Lauren wrote. Well done, and congratulations Lauren!
Congradulations Lauren!
I know your Mom and Dad are very proud of you. Reading your essay, I can feel the love and warmth you and your family has and maintains. In times that we live in today, it is hard to hold onto our Christain values – so keep it up and gain the wealth that love brings to a family and a community.
Lauren – I can feel the love that you have for your brother as I read your words. You are very wise at only 15. The emotions that you experienced through all of this will guide you. You really will think about what your family went through when it comes time for you to make a personal decision for yourself, too. God does honor our thoughts and our decisions when we put Him first. The awesome part of being a Christian is knowing that we are forgiven when we do put the world in front of God. Your parents did a great job in raising you – I know that they are very proud of you, too. Good luck in all you do. GREAT ESSAY!
Elizabeth, I added a link in the story for Erin’s essay.
Congratulations Erin! Great job. Writing is such an amazing gift. I would love to read your essay…PLEASE?!?!?!
Congratulations Lauren, your essay is very well written. Kaylie touched many lives outside the two families as well. While teenage pregnancy is a big concern in this country as well as our community, the support and love of family and friends can pull you through any situation and the miracle of life is a blessing that can affect an entire community.
Congradulations Lauren!
I think every teenager should read this essay. It is such a positive attitude to what could be a tradegy.
It is great that this baby has so many people that love her, and this young couple have the love and support of their families.