Smith County High School junior Gabe Harville won the Rotary International District 6780 Four-Way Speech Contest at the 2024 District Interact Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on March 2 while representing the Smith County High School Interact Club sponsored by the Carthage Rotary Club. His first place reward for winning from a field of twelve is a $2,500 scholarship to the college or university of his choice. Gabe is the son of Jason and Lisa Harville of Smith County and has been a member of the Smith County High School Interact Club for three years.
The Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest is an annual scholarship competition open to students in grades 9 through 12 and is sponsored in Smith County by the Carthage Rotary Club. Contestants write their own speeches applying the Rotary Four-Way Test to the concepts of leadership, service to others or life experience. Speeches must be delivered without the aid of podium, notes, displays or props and must be at least four minutes and no more than six minutes. Winners from contests sponsored by local Clubs in Rotary District 6780 compete for the District title. The Rotary Four-Way Test is:
“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?”
Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people ages 12 through 18. The program gives its members (Interactors) an opportunity to participate in meaningful service projects while developing leadership skills, meeting new friends and having fun. The Carthage Rotary Club sponsors Interact Clubs at both Smith County and Gordonsville High Schools.
