Henry Nguyen, a recent graduate of Vermilion Catholic High School, was the first-place winner in the National Right to Life Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest, held during the National Right to Life Convention last week in Overland Park, KS.
Henry represented Louisiana in the national contest after having won the state pro-life oratory contest in May. Initially, he won the local contest sponsored by the Diocese of Lafayette. Students from around the country participated in the national contest on June 30.
Henry presented a speech on euthanasia, which included a personal story about his grandfather. In part, he said: "My grandpa was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, and (doctor) gave him three months to live and even suggested euthanasia. That was five years ago. And while I consider my grandpa’s recovery a miracle, cases like his actually aren’t that rare."
Henry, 18, of Abbeville, is the son of Thao Bui and Minh Nguyen. He said he learned about the oratory contest when the adoption documentary "I Lived on Parker Avenue" was presented at his school.
The National Right to Life Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest is held each year in conjunction with the National Right to Life Convention. High school juniors and seniors write and present original pro-life speeches. Contests are sponsored by many state right to life groups, and the winners of the state contests compete at the national level.
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