William Reynolds
Greater Chattanooga Right to Life held its fourth annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest on Saturday, March 26, at Connect Life Church, Downtown Chattanooga. Participants in the annual contest are required to research, write, and present an original five to seven minute pro-life speech - using factual and current information – on abortion, infanticide, embryonic stem cell research, or euthanasia.
William Reynolds took first place in the contest. William is a homeschool sophomore, the son of Jasper and Cathy Reynolds, and serves as president of Students for Life of Southeast Tennessee. He gave a passionate speech on abortion, citing it as the “most monstrous evil the world has ever seen.” William concluded his speech with a compelling challenge to the audience to never stay silent, never sit down, never cower in fear, until abortion is illegal and unthinkable.
Mr. Reynolds scored a $150 cash prize along with expenses to the state contest, in which he will participate on May 7th. Congratulations, William! Candy Clepper, Greater Chattanooga Right to Life President said, “We are proud and honored to have William representing Chattanooga at the upcoming Tennessee Right to Life Oratory Contest in Nashville.”
Placing second was Emelyn West, also a Home School Sophomore. Emelyn is the daughter of Jesse and Amanda West. She also gave an ardent speech on the topic of abortion, pointing to scripture as the basis for her pro-life passion. Emelyn expressed to the audience how thankful and inspired she is by Tennessee Right to Life’s boldness and pursuit of an abortion-free state. Her speech concluded with an encouragement to be bold, stay salty, and shine bright. Miss West received a $100 cash award.
Judges Mrs. Caelan Shurina, Mr. Davarius Harris, and Dr. Heath Thacker commended Mr. Reynolds and Miss West on their speeches and encouraged them to return to the contest the next two years.
Officials said, "We look forward to having both students back."
Emelyn West