The Rotary Club of Salisbury, in its 107th year of service to the community, has presented the prestigious Four-Way Test Award to community leader Sharon Morris. The award is presented annually to non-Rotarians whose lives exemplify the tenants of the Rotary Four-Way Test that asks persons of the things they think, say, or do:
Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and better Friendships?
Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
In presenting the award, the club noted that she epitomizes the Rotary motto, Service Above Self, and the tenets of the Four-Way Test. She effortlessly and effectively can move from the soup kitchen to a holiday ball or the board room to the church pantry. Throughout her decades of community work, the way she treats others and earns respect because she leads with respect is remarkable.
Her focus on connecting those who have with those in need is a testament to the trust her community has in her. Just one example of her work is that after seeing the plight of homelessness in the downtown area where she worked for 48 years, Sharon helped initiate a homeless program at St. James AME Zion Church. On the first Saturday in December each year the Soup to the Sanctuary initiative serves more than 100 homeless persons with basic humanitarian supplies, hot meals, clothing, and haircuts.
Additionally, she has served on various nonprofit agencies in leadership roles, including the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, the Black Excellence Community Fund, United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Village of Hope, Wor-Wic Community College, the Christian Shelter, and the Wicomico County Board of Elections, plus many others.
Mrs. Morris retired from the Wicomico County government in 2015, serving at that time as the Assistant Director of Administration. She joined First Shore Federal in 2016, retiring in 2024 as a Community Reinvestment Activity Officer.
A list of all recipients of the Rotary Club of Salisbury Four-Way Test Award since 1963 is at www.rotarysalisbury.org.
