National Champion!

Shelby County's Elizabeth Trisler took first place in the National Right to Life Oratory Contest in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Winner of Right to Life of Shelby County's oratory contest in February, Trisler went on to win the state-level Ohio Right to Life competition in April. She received an all expense paid trip to North Carolina to compete at the national level. Two-time winner of both the local and state contests, Trisler finished in the top ten in the national competition last year.

"On behalf of all the Ohio Right to Life Board of Trustees, our Chapters and our Pro-Life youth, I want to sincerely thank Elizabeth for her accomplishments and steadfast advocacy for Life," said Mike Gonidakis, Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life. "She certainly is a young role model and a shining example of the countless number of pro-life teenagers in the great state of Ohio," said Gonidakis.

The competition consisted of three rounds as the field of nineteen state winners was gradually narrowed down. As champion, Trisler receives a cash prize of $1000.

RTL co-director Anne Schmiesing praised Trisler's dedication. "She has extraordinary natural talent and has worked very hard on her speech. Most importantly, she is passionate about this issue and about promoting the pro-life message to her peers."

The daughter of Lee and Sandi Trisler of Sidney, Elizabeth is a homeschooled senior in high school. She was accompanied to the national contest by her mother. Sandi stressed the spiritual dimension of the competition. "Elizabeth prayed the whole time that God’s will would be done. Of course she wanted to do her absolute best on the speech. But she also prayed that the speech that God wanted to win would win." She was also struck by the supportive environment of such a high-level competition. "The support the kids gave each other was just terrific; I was impressed by the integrity and maturity of these students. It gives hope for the future of this country!"

Elizabeth Trisler is willing to deliver her award-winning speech to local organizations, schools, or church groups. To arrange a presentation, please contact RTL at 498-1812

See related stories on RTL local and state oratory contests.