“If we don’t have life, we don’t have anything. If we don’t protect life, we jeopardize everything. And if nothing changes, nothing changes. We will continue to grant ourselves and those in power the authority to end precious, innocent life. Those without that authority will have no opportunity for life as we experience it. But we have the opportunity to change that.” These words summarize the speech given by Camille Floyd, a homeschooled junior from College Grove, who placed 2nd in the National Right to Life Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest held virtually last week. Camille had won the Tennessee contest held in April representing Williamson/Davidson County Right to Life.

“If we don’t have life, we don’t have anything. If we don’t protect life, we jeopardize everything. And if nothing, nothing changes. We will continue to grant ourselves and those in power the authority to end precious, innocent life. Those without that authority will have no opportunity for life as we experience it. But we have the opportunity to change that.”

These words summarize the speech given by Camille Floyd, a homeschooled junior from College Grove, who placed 2^nd in the National Right to Life Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest held virtually last week. Camille had won the Tennessee contest held in April representing Williamson/Davidson County Right to Life.

“I’m remarkably proud of Camille! Having had the opportunity to work with her for the last few years, I know what a gifted student she is. When Camille speaks, people genuinely want to hear more,” stated Frances Arthur, Pro-life Oratory Contest Chairman for TN Right to Life and the Director of TN Teen Eagles. “I was thrilled to find out how well she had done at the national event, but not surprised. Camille is a wonderful student and there are great things in store for her. With students like her and so many other competitors, I have hope for our future as well as the futures of the unborn." 

The county, state, and national contests were held virtually this year. Students had to submit a video presentation of their speech. Judges then reviewed the videos to determine the winner at the county level in Tennessee. Their winning speeches were sent to the state office where the process was repeated to select a winner to represent Tennessee in the national event. Click here to view Tennessee Right to Life's contest speeches.

“The student speeches presented to us at the state contest were among the best we’ve ever heard,” Brian Harris, President of TN Right to Life, indicated. “It must have been a very difficult decision for our state level judges this year. Camille gave a wonderful speech and we knew she would represent Tennessee well at the national level. We are so proud of her!”

The National Right to Life Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest is held each year in conjunction with the National Right to Life Convention. High school Juniors and Seniors write and present original pro-life speeches. Although speaking ability is key, this contest also seeks to help develop leadership and research skills. Contestants are sponsored by state Right to Life organizations, and Tennessee Right to Life has sent a student representative to this event every year since 1999.