Mercer County Student Wins Ohio Right to Life Oratory Contest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rachel Schlater
DATE: Monday, April 18, 2011 PHONE:(614) 547-0099 ext. 309
(COLUMBUS, OH) – Travis Goettemoeller, a member of Mercer County Right to Life, won the 2011 Ohio Right to Life Oratory Contest held on Saturday at Ohio Dominican University. The contest was hosted by the Ohio Dominican Respect Life student group. Travis, a student at Coldwater High School, will compete at the National Pro-Life Oratory Contest to be held in Jacksonville, Florida this June.
“We are proud of all of the participants in this year’s oratory contest,” stated Erin Cain, Director of External Affairs at Ohio Right to Life. “These students excelled in their presentations and were knowledgeable on current pro-life issues. We are excited to have Travis represent the state of Ohio at the national competition.”
Second place went to Rachel del Guidice of Wayne-Holmes Right to Life and third place to Julie Crookston of Right to Life of Portage County.
The eight eligible high school juniors and seniors, each of whom won their local pro-life oratory contest, wrote an original speech on abortion, embryonic stem cell research, infanticide or euthanasia.
“The dignity and sanctity of human life is at the forefront of public debate,” said Mike Gonidakis, Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life. “Today’s teens are tomorrow’s public officials and pro-life leaders. We need to do everything we can to encourage them to establish the skills needed to speak out in a positive way.”
As the winner of the state competition, Travis and a guest will receive a paid trip to the national contest in Florida from Ohio Right to Life. The winner of the national contest will receive a $1000 scholarship. To see pictures from the event and to read the top three speeches, click here.