The Coudersport Rotary Club held its meeting on March 2, 2026, at A&W West End Grill, where members welcomed Coudersport Jr./Sr. High School students Aliyah DiPilato, Sophia Taylor, and Joanna Chen to participate in the annual Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Contest.

Rotarian Pat Northeimer explained the rules of the contest, noting that there would be no interruptions during the speeches and that both applause and the contestants’ names would be withheld until all speeches had been presented.

The three students from Coudersport Junior/Senior High School participated in the competition, each presenting a speech applying Rotary’s Four-Way Test to a topic of their choice.

The Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Contest is a program for high school students in grades 9–12 that encourages young people to apply ethical principles to everyday life, business, and current events. Participants deliver a five- to seven-minute speech using Rotary’s Four-Way Test—Truth, Fairness, Goodwill, and Benefit—as the framework for their topic.

First prize of $100 was awarded to Aliyah DiPilato, who spoke about integrity.

Second prize of $75 went to Joanna Chen, whose speech focused on equal opportunity.

Third prize of $50 was awarded to Sophia Taylor, who spoke about the issue of banning books.

The students were accompanied by their advisor, teacher Heather Sherry, from Coudersport Jr./Sr. High School.

The first-place winner will advance to the regional level of the competition, with the opportunity to continue on to the district contest.

Rotarian Paul Herzig was also present at the meeting in his new role as Area 2 Governor, marking his first official visit to the club in that capacity.

Programs such as the annual Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Contest reflect the Coudersport Rotary Club’s commitment to encouraging ethical leadership, thoughtful discussion of current issues, and strong public speaking skills among local students.

The club thanks all of the student presenters and their advisor, Heather Sherry, from Coudersport Junior/Senior High School for participating.