Evan Sander, a freshman at Catholic Central High School, won the Grand Rapids Right to Life High School Oratory Contest and received a $150 scholarship.
This 27th annual competition was held on Tuesday, March 1, at Beverly Reformed Church in Wyoming.
Sander’s speech powerfully illustrated the tragedy of abortion by telling the story of a fictional boy named John. After telling the audience about the many small ways John’s life positively affected others, Sander revealed that John was aborted and never had the opportunity to live. “See, we may never know what John could have done. Maybe he would end cancer or miraculously solve our country’s debt. Or maybe he wouldn’t have such a big and glorious job. Maybe he would become the local mailman, an accountant, a sales rep.”
Sander further reflected, “Maybe. That’s a key word in many abortions. Maybe I don’t have enough money to support my child. Maybe I don’t want my body to go through pregnancy. Maybe it’s okay that I am one of the one third of women who have had at least one abortion by the age of 45.”
Beatriz Gonzalez won second place and a $100 scholarship with her speech on euthanasia, while Katie Bermudez spoke on human cloning and won $50 in third place.
All contestants impressed the judges with their thoughtful speeches and interesting topics.
Sander will compete in the State High School Oratory Contest, which will be held May 14 in Holt.