Michael Knox wins Ohio Right to Life Oratory Contest
High school students compete for place at national competition in Milwaukee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Katherine Franklin
DATE: Monday, May 1, 2017 PHONE: 614-547-0099 ext. 304
COLUMBUS, Ohio–Saturday, Michael Knox, a junior at Immaculate Conception Academy in Cincinnati, won the Ohio Right to Life Oratory Contest. The competition, which is held every spring in central Ohio, challenges high school juniors and seniors to write and present an original speech on the many issues pertaining to the right to life: abortion, infanticide, euthanasia or stem cell research. In his speech, Michael discussed the history of other genocides and how powerful dictators changed the culture to support human rights violations. With regard to abortion, Michael said that the same thing has happened, and that the solution is to gradually change the culture back, persuading hearts and minds to defend the right to life.
“Michael’s speech epitomizes the kind of compassionate, persuasive, and thought-provoking communication that we want to see from this next generation of pro-life leaders,” said Devin Scribner, executive director of Ohio Right to Life. “The ability to reflect back on history and advocate for a new and better way forward is imperative to making lasting change within our culture. Ohio Right to Life is excited to send Michael to the National Right to Life Contest where we know he will make pro-life Ohio very proud.”
To compete in the state contest, students must first win their local competition. As winner of the state contest, Michael has been awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to the national contest at the National Right to Life Convention in Milwaukee, WI this summer. Two other students placed as finalists at the Ohio Right to Life contest as well: Titus Meyer of Mercer County Right to Life won second place with his speech on how abortion is a modern holocaust; and Rachel Wood of Wayne-Holmes Right to Life won third place with her speech on forced abortion in America.
“All of Saturday’s contestants exhibited critical thinking and sincere passion for the biggest human rights issues of our time,” said Scribner. “From personal stories about adoption to reflections on some of the biggest horrors in human history, these students have given thorough consideration to the causes of today’s atrocities and the solutions we can pursue to end them. By speaking out this weekend, each of these students has served as a courageous voice for the voiceless. They serve as role models not only for their peers and students younger than them, but for all of us as we continue work to save human lives.”
Ohio Right to Life commends all of the contestants in Saturday’s contest, as well as the schools and Ohio Right to Life affiliates who organized local competitions: Alena Barton, Archbishop McNicholas High School; Michael Knox, Immaculate Conception Academy; Titus Meyer, Mercer County Right to Life; Mackenzie Pomeroy, Mahoning County Right to Life; Jacob Schmiesing, Right to Life of Shelby County; Brianna Taylor, Lawrence County Right to Life; Frank Vitale, Dayton Right to Life; Rachel Wood, Wayne-Holmes Right to Life; and Cricket Wuebker, Auglaize County Right to Life.
Click here to view the Oratory Contest photo album on Ohio Right to Life’s Facebook page.
