Tennessee Right to Life’s Pro-Life Oratory Contest Among Nation’s Largest

Tennessee Right to Life held its 9th annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest on Saturday, June 14, at Aquinas College in Nashville. More than 115 public, private, and home schooled students in grades 9-12 participated in 30 Right to Life County Chapter Contests across Tennessee.  Each participant was required to research, write, and present an original five to seven minute pro-life speech, using factual and current information, on abortion, infanticide, embryonic stem cell research, or euthanasia.

Joseph Riley, a junior from Etowah, placed first in the contest and will compete on July 5 in the annual National Right to Life Oratory Contest to be held during the National Right to Life Convention in Washington, D.C. July 3-5.  As a first place winner, Mr. Riley, representing McMinn Country Right to Life Chapter, received a $500.00 award and will have the opportunity to attend the National Teens for Life Convention or the National Right to Life Convention, which runs concurrently.

2008 Tennessee Right to Life State Oratory Contest winners from left to right: Joseph Riley, Adam Smith, Courtney Tuggle, and Jordan Kelly.	2008 Tennessee Right to Life State Oratory Contest partcipants.

Adam Smith from Lewis County placed second in the contest and received a $250 award. Courtney Tuggle from Rutherford County received a $100 scholarship for third place.  Jordan Kelly from Coffee County received a $50 scholarship as the fourth place winner.

Aquinas College hosted the event for the fifth year in a row and provided $5,000 in scholarships for the finalists.

Bott Radio Network was also a sponsor of the contest and Nashville Area Manager, Randy Uselton served as a judge. "It was a great encouragement for me to hear those kids and to know their hearts are for life," Uselton stated.

“All of the students did so well,” stated Stormy Mitchell, President of The Mitchell Group, a Christian Speakers and Artist Booking Agency. “(The judges) had a tough decision in trying to rank so many well written and presented speeches.  We congratulate the winners and look forward to next year’s competition.” “This is my fourth year as a judge and each year, I am impressed with the quality of the preparation on behalf of the students,” Nashville Right to Life Board member Lynn Chaffin said.  “They address difficult topics with intelligence and wit.”

2008 Tennessee Right to Life State Oratory Contest judges. Back Row: Randy Uselton, Senator Jack Johnson, Dr. Madron Day, Melody Morris and Bettye Babb. Front Row: Stephanie Huffman, Pastor Steve Gray, Bob Allen, Stormy Mitchell, Jane Davenport and Lynne Smith. Not pictured: Lynn Chaffin and Buck Dozier

Tennessee Right to Life expresses sincere gratitude to pro-life state Senator Jack Johnson for his support in acquiring a Community Enhancement Grant from the State of Tennessee.