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(Nashville) Tennessee Right to Life
held its 11th annual State Pro-Life Oratory Contest on Saturday, May 1,
at Aquinas College in Nashville. Winners from Right to
Life County Chapter contests competed at the state finals. More
than 100 public, private, and home-schooled students in grades 9-12
participated in local 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.
Clay Smith, a senior representing Maury County, placed first in the
contest and will represent Tennessee at the National Right to Life Jane
B. Thompson Oratory Contest in Pittsburgh on June 26th during the
National Right to Life Convention (June 24th-26th). As the first
place winner, Mr. Smith received a $500 award from Tennessee Right to
Life and a $2000 scholarship from event host Aquinas College.
Margaret Cody from Overton County placed second in the contest and
received a $250 award and $1500 scholarship. Nancy Wehby from Davidson County received a $100 award and $1000
scholarship for third place. Kayla Huddleston from Wilson County received $50 and a $500
scholarship for fourth place.
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Left to Right: Clay Smith, Margaret Cody, Nancy
Wehby, Kayla Huddleston
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Gloria Leyda, Senior Representative with Ambassador
Speakers Bureau, stated, "It was a very great honor to participate
as a first-time judge for the oratory contest this year. I have
to admit it was very, very difficult for me to rate each student, as
all the presentations were amazingly well written and delivered.
As I was intently listening and watching as each speech was offered, I
was reminded of the fact that these are the voices for the next
generation. Each participant was a winner in my eyes. They
are all champions for life!"
Tennessee Right to Life historically has one of the largest
competitions of all NRLC affiliates. Former state contest winners
have gone on to start college campus groups at Freed Hardeman University, Belmont University, and Middle Tennessee State University. Many more are involved in
local county chapter work both during and after college.
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