Often times, the best way to make a convincing argument is to be a persuasive speaker.

A group of Northern Lehigh High School students certainly made quite the case as part of the second annual Slatington Rotary Competition Tuesday in the high school library.The 4-Way Test Speech Competition is a set of guidelines for Rotarians to conduct themselves ethically and respectfully in both business and everyday life.The students were asked to create a five to seven minute speech on a subject of their choice, and apply each of the tenents of the 4-Way Test to guide their thinking and behavior: Is it the truth; is it fair to all concerned; will it build goodwill and better friendships; and will it be beneficial to all concerned. In the end, the students were asked to explain how the test lead them to make the right decision.When all was said and done, Margaret Surdovel took first place for her speech, entitled, "The Value of Music Education".Second place went to Kirsten Leskowich, "Decision Making for the Future, while Kevin Heberling finished third with "Friendship".Brandon Horvath, "Business Ethics", and Damien Bower, "Education Reform", also participated in the competition.Gary Fedorcha, President of the Slatington Rotary; Sal Somma, a retired Nuclear Engineer, and Rotarian; and Marie Johns, TV13 Anchor, served as judges. Scott Pyne, high school assistant principal, was timekeeper.The Regional Contest will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 7, at DeSales University Center Valley Campus, McShea Student Union.The District Final will be held at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, at Bear Creek Mountain Resort, Macungie.