Lakehead Rotary is proud to congratulate Westgate Collegiate and Vocational Institute SAC President Liam Chony on being named the winner of this year’s Rotary District 5580 4 Way Essay Contest. His achievement reflects the spirit of leadership, integrity, and thoughtful reflection that the Rotary 4 Way Test encourages in young people. It is always inspiring to see students engage so meaningfully with these principles, and Liam’s work stood out in a field of impressive submissions.
This year’s contest showcased a remarkable range of ideas and perspectives, as students were invited to apply Rotary’s 4 Way Test to any topic that felt relevant and meaningful to them. In response, they reflected on personal passions and hobbies, explored how courage shapes growth, questioned how we define success and talent, and examined important social issues involving fairness, equity, and the way we treat one another. The depth and variety of submissions made for a particularly strong competition, highlighting the insight, creativity, and thoughtful analysis of all who participated.
The submissions formed a mosaic of ideas, each piece distinct, each voice thoughtful. There was humor. There was vulnerability. There was bold critique. And then there was Liam’s essay, “The Truth Behind the Screen.” His story begins quietly. A friend posts a glowing photo captioned “Best day ever.” Perfect smile. Perfect lighting. The kind of image that glides effortlessly down a timeline. But days later comes the truth. She had been crying just before the photo was taken. She didn’t want anyone to know she was struggling. That small moment becomes the doorway into something bigger. Liam reflects on how often we scroll past polished images without realizing the hidden emotions behind them. Social media, he suggests, is not always a mirror. Sometimes it is a mask.
From there, he does something remarkable. He threads the Rotary 4 Way Test directly into the digital world most students live in every day.
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
In his hands, Liam showed that those principles are not old fashioned. They are urgently modern. In a world of filters, viral rumors, and highlight reels, his essay argues that integrity is not about getting the most likes. It is about earning trust. It was clear why his essay stood out among so many strong submissions. Liam’s essay was impactful because it moved beyond simply responding to the four questions. He demonstrated what it looks like to apply them in real life, especially in the everyday world of social media. By sharing honest experiences and practical examples, he showed how truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit to others can guide daily choices. In doing so, he encouraged readers to pause, reflect, and hold themselves to the same thoughtful standard.
And so we celebrate SAC President Liam Chony, Rotary 4 Way Essay Contest winner, not only for a well written essay, but for reminding us that behind every screen is a real person deserving of honesty, fairness, and kindness. That truth, the one behind the screen, is worth applauding 👏 Best of luck to Liam as his submission now advances to the regional competition.