The Bermuda Rotary clubs are preparing to celebrate their 90 year anniversary here in Bermuda. On March 14th at noon a beautiful clock will be installed in the front of City Hall celebrating the life of Walter Maddocks who gave so much of his life to Rotary and the 90th Anniversary of the clubs here in Bermuda reinforcing their commitment to “Service above Self” in the future.

The guiding principle of Rotary is the Four–Way Test. They are 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?

What wonderful principles — ones we should all try to live by.

In December The Pembroke Rotary Club held an essay writing competition entitled ‘How the Four-Way Test can enhance Christmas?’. Warwick Academy’s Primary Learning Extension Group had several entries but the essay written by Year 6 student, Noah da Silva, won Honourable mention. Here is the wonderful essay.

“How can the Four-Way Test enhance Christmas? How do you show it? Well, here I will use a selection of characters that you will surely recognise to illustrate each point.

“The Grinch hated Christmas! But surprisingly enough, he is who I use to illustrate the “truth” part of the Four-Way Test. I use him because he tried to steal Christmas. He tried to take the gifts, the decorations, the “trimmins and trappings”. But the Whos knew that the truth is you can’t steal Christmas. Christmas is that feeling in you when you’ve had fun with your loved ones. So the truth about Christmas is that you don’t need gifts to celebrate it. If you know that, it will enhance your Christmas.

“There’s a certain reindeer that wasn’t allowed to play in the “reindeer games”. As you probably guessed it’s Rudolph! Rudolph was treated unfairly by his reindeer friends because he was different. But, as we know, he showed the other reindeer that he had something to offer. As we learned in the story, if you’re fair, you’ll find that all people have something to offer. Maybe someone will even lead your sleigh.

“Bumpity bump bump, Look at Frosty go-o” is a song with the character who I’d like you to know — and the little girl too. When Frosty had to go to the North Pole, one of his friends, a little girl, went with him. She was very unselfish to go all the way to the North Pole to help Frosty. The point is that many people just do the easiest thing they can to help. More people should work at helping. This will enhance Christmas because if people do bigger things to help other people, the world would be a better place.

“It’s time for the Big guy! Santa Claus! Every year, he brings presents to every child. Now, what makes him special is how he also brings toys to children who don’t get gifts from their parents or don’t have parents! Santa also teaches us to give and the happiness of giving. He brings us joy, happiness and love. This is what can enhance Christmas. The spirit of giving is beneficial to us all.

So, through Christmas love, we can learn our lessons and enhance the Christmas spirit.”