Article by Syane Soriano (’16): On Sunday, April 24th 2016, six high school students competed against each other at the thirteenth annual Oratory Contest. The purpose of this contest is to get our youth to be articulate in speaking against death and defend the gift life. The The Holy Spirit was clearly with these young “pro-lifers” as they created their own personal, unique stories and arguments against topics such as abortion, euthanasia, and physicians assisted suicide.
After the speeches were delivered, contestants, Christine Bennett-home school- Syane Soriano -Kellenberg Memorial High School-
Kevin Kennedy-St. Pius V School- Joseph Milio-St. Pius V School- Katherine Parente-St. Pius V School- Therese Russell-Floral Park Memorial High School all waited anxiously for the results.
After the nail biting suspense of waiting, the results were in Christine Bennette won first place with $500, Syane Soriano won second place with $300, and Kevin Kennedy won 3rd place with $150. Finalists included, Joseph Milio, Katherine Parente, and Therese Russell.
Mrs. Mary Jane McQuade, the director of the Oratory Contest, and her coworkers was taken aback by the beautiful, heartwarming words and emotion expressed through each individual speech. “At our Oratory Contest this year, the Long Island Coalition for Life hosted a talented and informed group of young people who were well-prepared to present their pro-life views to the audience. Our goal in sponsoring the contest is to help develop articulate pro-lifers who can defend the truths that suppport the culture of life and challenge the errors that underlie the culture of death. The students who participated this year demonstrated that our goal is being achieved. Having the contest in the Millenium Room at Kellenberg is always special.”