Right to Life of Michigan recognizes outstanding teens

Two outstanding teens from Michigan are being recognized for purposefully working to promote prolife values in their communities. The Outstanding Prolife Youth Awards were presented to Kim Baubien of Portage and Jenny Coon of Jenison.

Youth award coordinator Amanda Peterman said, "The process of choosing a winner was very difficult. Every contestant had something unique to offer, but these two young ladies really stood out from the rest. Because of Kim and Jenny's prolife convictions and community involvement, both were chosen for the award."

The awards, given to high school seniors, were partially based on a 200-300 word essay in which the students were asked to describe what their generation can do to promote a positive prolife message. In addition, the students needed to list the various prolife activities they have been involved with over the years.

The students were asked to submit their essay and description of involvement to their local Right to Life of Michigan affiliate. Affiliates then passed on their best nomination to Right to Life of Michigan for selection of the state-wide honor.

"It is so exciting and encouraging to see the enthusiasm and dedication of this next generation blossoming," said Peterman. "We are confident that these seeds of leadership today will make for great prolife leaders in the years to come!"

Both Jenny and Kim will receive a $250 cash award to be used for furthering their education. In addition, the essays are published below.

For more information about this year's award or guidelines for this coming Fall's nomination process, please contact Amanda Peterman at the Right to Life of Michigan office at 616-532-2300.

Essay by Kim Baubien

"Preach always, if necessary, use words" is often quoted by people of faith in reference to evangelization. But I believe that the same idea applies to spreading the pro-life message today.

In our society, the media usually ignores the positive side of the pro-life movement. Many have bought the media's lies and view pro-life people as extreme conservatives that want to limit everyone's freedom. So many people are misinformed. We need to spread the pro-life message of real compassion and the best way to do so is through actions. While rhetoric may be useful at times, more often it can turn people off. On the other hand, when people - especially students - believe in something enough to take action, it draws people's attention.

For example, I recently circulated a petition to ban partial-birth abortion at my church. After one of the Masses, a woman approached my table. She was surprised and curious to know why a student would feel so strongly about this issue, so I explained some of my reasons for being pro-life. When she said that she needed to do more research before making a decision, I offered her a brochure from RLM about partial-birth abortion and other pro-life issues. While I did not get another signature, when that woman walked away she had a positive impression of pro-life people, a curiosity to learn more, and some real information about pro-life issues.

Actions speak louder than words and in a culture where the media ignores the pro-life movement, we need to use our loudest voice. If all pro-life people, including students, would back up their words by acting, not only would we get more done, but we would spread the pro-life message farther.

Together, we can end the culture of death.

Essay by Jennifer Coon

I have been volunteering at Grand Rapids Right to Life for almost four years. I have had many incredible experiences. This summer I had the opportunity to pray outside the Heritage Clinic for Women, one of two operating abortion clinics in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Every Wednesday morning, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m., I would stand across the street from the clinic, praying for the girls who were about to make one of the toughest decisions of their lives. One particular morning, however, I was able to sidewalk counsel these women. I stood in front of the clinic with an armful of brochures, waiting for a chance to change someone's life. Many girls walked by ignoring me, but one still stands out in my mind.

I do not know her name, or where she was from, but I do know her story. She was one of the girls who just walked past me that morning ignoring my pamphlets and brochures. When she came back out to smoke, I was given a second chance. She told me her life story, about the baby inside of her, and the hardships that she faced on the road ahead. Her life had not been easy and that would not change. The baby's father was an abusive alcoholic who would not let her give their baby up for adoption. She felt she had no choice, even though she did not want to do what she was about to do. She looked at me with tears in her eyes. She reached out for an embrace, and we stood there for a few minutes holding each other. She went back into the clinic with her child, and I knew she was coming back out alone. I stood outside the clinic with tears in my eyes wondering what I could have done differently, and how I could have saved that unborn child's life.

I may not have been able to save the life of that child, but I truly believe God put me on that sidewalk for a reason. He helped me show compassion and love to a total stranger, and He gave me insight to the world. It was in that moment that I realized just how much passion for life I really possess. That moment inspired me to start a Student's for Life group at my high school where I can share my passion for life with other teens and motivate them to get involved and make a difference in someone else's life.