Jacob Koehler Wins Ohio Right to Life Oratory Contest
High school students compete for place at national competition in Overland Park, KS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jamieson Weaver
DATE: Monday, April 30, 2018 PHONE: 614-547-0099 ext. 304
COLUMBUS, Ohio–Saturday, Jacob Koehler, a senior from Springfield, 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, Jacob focused on the life of his grandmother, who is currently struggling with Alzeheimer’s. He passionately spoke of how her life is still valuable, no matter how dependent on his family she might become.
“Jacob’s speech was passionate, well-articulated, and really tugged at the heartstrings of the audience,” said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life. “It is crucial that the next generation is able to powerfully and persuasively communicate the pro-life cause. Ohio Right to Life is excited to send Jacob to the National Right to Life Contest where we are sure he will represent pro-life Ohio very well.”
To compete in the state contest, students must first win their local competition. As winner of the state contest, Jacob has been awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to the national contest at the National Right to Life Convention in Overland Park, KS this summer. Two other students placed as finalists at the Ohio Right to Life contest as well: Michael Knox of Immaculate Conception Academy won second place with his speech on how the pro-life movement will continue to march for all lives; and Malorie Hussey of Right to Life of Shelby County won third place with her speech on the consequences of abortion on women, their health and ultimately their babies.
“Our contestants made one thing clear this Saturday: they are the pro-life generation,” said Gonidakis. “From personal stories about sibling’s prenatal diagnoses to reflections on some of the biggest horrors in human history, these students have given thorough consideration to the reason why the right to life is so valuable. These students will undoubtedly be on the front lines of the movement in years to come. 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 strive to be a voice for the voiceless.”
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: Jordan McCormick, Archbishop McNicholas High School; Michael Knox, Immaculate Conception Academy; Titus Meyer, Mercer County Right to Life; Renee Homan, Mercer County Right to Life; Kara Rich, Mahoning County Right to Life; Malorie Hussey, Right to Life of Shelby County; Jacob Koehler, Clark County 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.
