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Shreveport Teen Wins State Oratory Contest

Students Kaiden O’Dell, Aleksandra Adams, and Gabrielle Adams are shown with Rennan Duffour, Knights of Columbus State Deputy, left, and LARTL’s Mia Bordlee, right.

On May 4, Louisiana Right to Life Youth Programs Director Mia Bordlee hosted the 2019 Louisiana State Oratory Contest. Three passionate and articulate students, having already won their regional competitions, competed for the state title and an opportunity to advance to the National Oratory Contest.

The students gathered from around the state at the Knights of Columbus Convention at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge, where they spoke in front of a packed room.
 
Having both an engaging stage presence and impactful speech on the tragedy of infanticide, Kaiden O’Dell of Shreveport placed first and will be advancing to the National Pro-Life Oratory Contest, where he will compete against students from around the nation. The national contest will be held this summer at the National Right to Life Convention in Charleston, S.C.
 
The audience was also impressed by outstanding participants Aleksandra Adams of Franklin, first runner-up, and Gabrielle Adams of Slidell, second runner-up.
A special thanks goes out to the Knights of Columbus for sponsoring the event annually and to judges John Hauler, Sam Mistretta, and Gabrielle Gremillion.