BEDFORD — A local high school senior has earned top honors for his public speaking skills, bridging a competitive field from Lawrence County to the regional stage.
Caleb Cheney, a senior at Mitchell High School (MHS), was recently named the winner of the Bedford Rotary Club’s 2026 Speech Contest. The annual competition was open to all high school students from Mitchell High School and Bedford North Lawrence (BNL) High School.
Following his local victory, Cheney advanced to the Rotary District 6580 Speech Contest, where he competed against top student speakers from across southern Indiana. Cheney’s impactful presentation ultimately secured a third-place finish at the district level. In total, he will receive $750 in prize money for his achievements.
Evaluating Technology Through a Century-Old Ethical Lens
Cheney’s winning speech tackled a highly relevant modern dilemma: the benefits versus the disadvantages of personal cell phone use.
To evaluate the issue, he applied the Rotary 4-Way Test, a foundational ethical guide used by Rotary International members worldwide to evaluate their thoughts, words, and actions. Created in 1932 by businessman Herbert J. Taylor, the test asks four specific questions about any dilemma:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
By filtering the psychological and social impacts of smartphone dependency through these four ethical pillars, Cheney delivered a thoughtful, nuanced argument that resonated strongly with the judges at both the club and district levels.
The Bedford Rotary Club has a long-standing history of fostering leadership, civic engagement, and academic excellence among local youth. Annual events like the speech contest give young community members a platform to showcase their talents, practice vital communication skills, and engage with global ethical standards.
“The Bedford Rotary Club is proud to support our local youth and to showcase their many talents,” the organization said in a statement celebrating Cheney’s success.
Community members will have the opportunity to hear Cheney’s award-winning speech live later this month.
The Bedford Rotary Club is hosting Cheney as the guest speaker during their upcoming meeting on Thursday, May 28, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Lawrence County Museum meeting room, located on the courthouse square in downtown Bedford. All interested community members are welcome to attend.
