"What we have forgotten, or chosen to ignore, in our country, is the importance of life. We have replaced it with an emphasis on autonomy and control, and we have ignored morality in the process." There were chills of excitement as I listened to Camille Floyd, an 11th grade homeschooled student from the Davidson/Williamson County area, recite these words in her First Place speech. Could you have made such a statement when you were in high school?
This spring has been a most unusual one, but the leaders at Tennessee Right to Life have been busier than ever. Each year, our county chapter leaders host a Pro-life Oratory Contest for High School students. The winners from these county events then go to Nashville to participate in the statewide event.
With the shutdowns due to Covid-19, we had to be very creative with these events. Rather than meeting in person, students sent videos of themselves presenting an original 5-7 minute speech on abortion, euthanasia, stem cell research, or infanticide. We sent these videos to our panel of judges who selected our winners.
I encourage you to watch these speeches (links below), as well as the announcement of the winner! I am incredibly proud of the students who entered this year, and I believe you will be blessed as you watch them. It really is quite encouraging to watch young people speak on issues of such great importance.
Other finalists in the state contest were Violet Thorne of Wilson County, Tripp Keeton of Knox County and Olivia Jarvis of Smith County. The winner will represent us at the virtual national contest in June. You can help us to defray these expenses with a tax-deductible donation to our Education Fund.
Tennessee Right to Life commends all of the contestants in the contest, as well as Tennessee Right to Life chapters who organized local competitions. Contestants competing were: Isaac Camp, Lawrence County, Mae Faugot, Greater Chattanooga, Camille Floyd, Davidson/Wiliamson Counties, Rachel Garza, Cheatham County, Olivia Jarvis, Smith County, Tripp Keeton, Knox County, Macy Quinn, Humphreys County, Kendall Smith, Shelby County and Violet Thorne, Wilson County.
As always, we appreciate your support for the work that we do at Tennessee Right to Life. We really are making a difference in the pro-life movement. With these young speakers, we may see the day when all life is protected!
Toward that goal,
Frances Arthur, Oratory Contest Chairman, TN Right to Life
Rachel Garza, Cheatham County, https://youtu.be/4b2OFFI2CJg
Mae Faugot, Greater Chattanooga, https://youtu.be/uhf6Yzx8qbM
Tripp Keeton, Knox County, https://youtu.be/9ZKIQafmxA4
Isaac Camp, Lawrence County, https://youtu.be/U9-i_6W8i3M
Kendall Smith, Shelby County, https://youtu.be/99uKqBRcd8c
Olivia Jarvis, Smith County, Oratory Speech link
Violet Thorne, Wilson County, https://youtu.be/74eqRhWD_SE