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Young Prolife Orators |
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Saturday, May 20, 1998 dawned an unseasonably warm and sunny morning in Michigan's capitol city, where 15 talented high school students shared their prolife passion with a captive audience. After tough deliberation, judges selected top winners and prizes were awarded. All 15 were applauded for their courage to stand before a crowd and share their convictions. All were urged to continue the commitment they had made.
RLM affiliates take on the challenge of youth outreach with the annual Oratory Contest, for which teens research life issues, write speeches and share their knowledge with others - peers, family and judges. Students participate locally, finalists advance to the state level and the state winner competes with students from around the country at the National Right to Life Convention.
Michigan's top honors this year went to Anneke Houbeck of Flint Area |
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Chris Knobloch and Anneke Houbeck were among this year's winners |
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Right to Life (first place - $500),Jennifer Carroll of Kalamazoo Right to Life (second place - $300) and Chris Knobloch of Grand Rapids Right to Life (third place - $200) . Anneke will participate in the national contest in Orlando, Florida on June 20.
Though prizes are announced and presented for every level of competition, the real benefits of this event far outweigh the monetary rewards. The gain for students is an increased knowledge about and commitment to the prolife cause. Young people can't help but come away from this event motivated by the encouragement and support from peers and adults. The greatest benefit for those who witness these young presenters is a renewed hope - hope for a future whose leaders are compassionate, optimistic and determined to raise their voices and live their lives in testimony to the inherent value of all human life.
Congratulations and thanks are due to all teens who showed the depth of their conviction by participating in this event. As the judges correctly pointed out, these students are not just future leaders, they are present leaders. Their daily prolife witness is as meaningful as any done in Lansing or Washington, D.C. |
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Meet Elly Kreska |
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Our Field Representative in Northeastern Lower Penninsula |
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Editor's note: This is the third in a series which introduces RLM Field Representatives on a more personal and professional basis. Field Representatives help facilitate affiliate efforts across the state and serve as satellite coordinators of state activities. The map below depicts in white the area represented by this month's field representative, Elly Kreska. |
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Elly Kreska |
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When I walked into my first local Right to Life meeting in 1980, never did I imagine that I would one day be the senior field rep for Right to Life of Michigan.
I was a volunteer for the first 8 years on the local level. I began working for RLM in 1988, during the tax funding for abortion referendum (Proposal A).
As I reflect back on these years, I know that our collective efforts have resulted infewer abortions. I am confident that we can save lives at the other end of the spectrum in the future as the issue of euthanasia raises its ugly head. I consider it an honor to be a part of this life saving movement.
I would be happy to speak with anyone who feels strongly about the life issues and is looking for a way to become involved. You may contact me via email at kreska@cris.com or call me at 517-895-8481. |
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