Young Leaders Speaking Out for Life

The 26th Annual RLM High School Oratory Contest was held at the Southgate Veteran’s Memorial Library, on March 7, 2015. Area affiliates sponsored the local contest. Contestants and their families enjoyed light refreshments and a comfortable setting while encouraging the contestants.

First prize of $125 was awarded to Maria Tizedes, a home-schooled junior, for her speech emphasizing the positive influence of ultrasound on frightened expectant mothers. When one mother-to-be was asked by a nurse “what impact did the ultrasound image have on you?” she simply answered “I saw her face!” After choosing life for her daughter, this mother later referred to her as “her little miracle” as she asked that same nurse if she wished to hold this miracle.

Second prize of $75 went to Shannon Salter, Dearborn High School junior, for her speech extolling our first right—the right to life—and reminding us that “there are other choices than executing our nation’s children.” Her quote from Ronald Reagan, “I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has been already born,” produced some thoughtful smiles as the words soaked in. Shannon pointed out that the damage to the unborn baby is obvious but she continued to point out the damage, physical and emotional, to the mother.

Kristen Hornbeck, a home-schooled junior, took the $50 third prize for her litany of the indirect effects of abortion on entire families—grandparents, parents, siblings, and spouses. One father of an aborted daughter lamented “I supported the physical destruction of a human life. I never found true and lasting peace and acceptance no matter how hard I looked for them.”

Honorable Mention and $25 was earned by Joseph Hornbeck, a home-schooled sophomore, who asked “Why do people change?” Reviewing possible explanations such as peer and family pressure, political pressure, and religious pressure, Joseph pointed out that “Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and Jesse Jackson were once ‘pro-life’.” Conversely, Norma McCorvey, “Roe” of Roe v Wade, “had a heart change” in 1994 which led to becoming 100% pro-life.

Maria Tizedes will move on to the state competition in Holt, Michigan, on May 9. Her goal will be to qualify for the national competition in New Orleans on July 11.

Photos attached above are (left to right: Joseph Hornbeck, Kristen Hornbeck, Shannon Salter, Maria Tizedes)