Submitted Photo From the left are Erika Kelly, president of Minot Rotary Club; Hope Hauck, 2025 Minot Rotary Club 4-Way Test essay winner and District 5580 winner for Region #1; and Pam Stroklund, Minot Rotary Youth Initiatives chair.

Hope Hauck, a junior at Minot High School, has been recognized as the winner for Region #1 in the Rotary District 5580 4-Way Test Essay Contest, according to the Rotary Club of Minot.

Hauck first competed locally, winning the Rotary Club of Minot’s contest and receiving a cash award from the club. Her essay, titled “The Ripple Effect of Volunteering” was then submitted to the district level competition, at which she was selected as the top essayist for Region #1. As a regional winner, she received an additional $150 award from District 5580.

The 4-Way Test Essay Contest challenges high school students in their final two years to reflect on the ethical principles of the Rotary 4-Way Test, which asks:

1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

“The 4-Way Test is a great way for students to apply ethical decision-making to real-life situations,” said Erika Kelly, president of the Rotary Club of Minot. “We are incredibly proud of Hope for her outstanding essay and for representing our community so well at both the local and regional levels.”

By recognizing student achievements, the club encourages young people to develop strong communication skills, think critically about ethics and engage with their community in meaningful ways, according to the news release.