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Greater Chattanooga Right to Life Hosts

Annual High School Oratory Contest

Joanna Dominic (left), Catherine Dominic (right), members of the Basilica's Downtown Youth Ministry

Joanna Dominic takes First Place with Powerful Speech on the Value of Life    

On April 21st, Greater Chattanooga Right to Life held its annual High School Oratory Contest, an event that challenges students to research, write, and deliver original five- to seven-minute speeches on critical life issues such as abortion, infanticide, embryonic stem cell research, and euthanasia. Each speech is required to be both factual and current, encouraging young voices to speak boldly on behalf of the voiceless.

This year’s first-place winner was Miss Joanna Dominic, a homeschooled junior and the daughter of Sibi Dominic and Sheeba Sebastian. Joanna delivered a compelling and passionate speech on abortion, drawing a striking comparison between the legal protection of unborn eagles and the lack of similar protection for unborn humans. Her message urged the audience to defend life at all stages — not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard.

“Even when it costs you something,” she said. “For love cannot be true love without sacrifice.” Joanna concluded by calling on the audience to be a voice for the voiceless and to pray — for our society to once again recognize the value of every life, for abortion to become not just illegal but unthinkable, and for a return to the truth that “all men are created equal,” even those in the womb.

Joanna was awarded a $150 cash prize and expenses for a trip to represent Chattanooga at the Tennessee Right to Life State Oratory Contest, taking place May 3rd in Nashville.

“We are proud and honored to have Joanna Dominic representing Chattanooga,” said Candy Clepper, President of Greater Chattanooga Right to Life. “Her passion and eloquence truly reflect the heart of this movement.”

Second place was awarded to Joanna’s sister, Miss Catherine Dominic, a homeschooled freshman. Catherine also addressed the topic of abortion, drawing powerful parallels between the crucifixion of Jesus and the killing of innocent unborn children. She reminded listeners that Jesus Himself was born of an unplanned pregnancy and emphasized the potential of every child to change the world.

Her speech ended with a heartfelt call to action: “The world changes when we protect the most vulnerable among us.” Catherine received a $100 cash award in recognition of her moving and insightful presentation.