4-Way Test Essay Winners Announced

“It’s a good way to trick students into loving to write,” said Krista White, a 6^th grade language arts teacher at Sunrise Ridge Intermediate School, speaking about St. George Rotary Club’s 11^th annual 4-Way Test Essay Contest.  “And, its good for these kids to know someone thinks what they have to say is important.”

At the recent weekly meeting of the local service club, Language Arts Teachers Kris Sewell from Fossil Ridge Intermediate and Krista White on the faculty of Sunrise Ridge Intermediate, parents and members of St. George Rotary Club heard the 1^st and 2^nd place winning essays in this year’s competition from among more than 125 entries. 

To participate, students in four intermediate schools in the Washington County School District were invited by Chairman Durant McArthur and his committee, to put their thoughts in writing about someone they know who best exemplifies Rotary’s 24-word test of ethics in all aspects of life:  is it the truth?  Is it fair to all concerned?  Will it build goodwill and better friendship?  Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Awarded a $50 first prize at Fossil Ridge Intermediate School is Frankie Partridge, daughter of Larry and Amelia Partridge who wrote about “My Grandpa Delbert Ray Judy” and took home $50 as the 1^st place winner.  She shared, “my grandfather served on President Lyndon B. Johnson’s yacht but always kept his fun service experiences secret.  He also was a great father – had his own 2 children, but also raised my father, his 2 sisters and 3 brothers like they were his very own.”  A second place prize of $25 went to Summer Hardy, daughter of Terence and Karol Hardy, who shared her story of “My Dad” who “adopted me when someone else didn’t want me.  We may not be related by blood and he may not have known me since I was a baby, but he truly is my dad and my super hero.”

Owen Powell, son of Chris and Kim Powell and a student at Sunrise Ridge Intermediate School, was recognized for his 1^st place winning and well-written essay entitled “My Inspirations from Mrs. Humphrey,” who he credits with “taught me how to control my anger; be fair in settling confrontations and taught me how to develop goodwill and friendships.”  Also at Sunrise Ridge, Ben Haws, son of Tim and Paula Haws, showered praise on his father who he states, “is an example of honesty in his personal relationships and professional dealings.”

Language Arts Teachers Kris Sewell from Fossil Ridge Intermediate and Krista White on the faculty of Sunrise Ridge Intermediate both qualified for the teachers' award with more than 60% of their students participating.  Each will receive $200 to use as they see fit in their respective school classrooms.