The Virginia Society for Human Life (VSHL) held its annual Alex and Geline B. Williams Oratory Contest on May 9, 2009 in Richmond, VA. 

The winner of this year's event was Daniel Chris Tillson, a senior at Bishop O'Connell High School in Falls Church VA. 

Tillson spoke on the issue of euthanasia and the dangers of the denial of treatment for the vulnerable in our society. First place prize was $500.

Second place was taken by Lisa Hill from Seton High School in Manassas, VA, who spoke on the true value of each new life in the womb.  The second place prize was $250.

The VSHL Oratory Contest winner will represent Virginia at the national competition at the National Right to Life Committee's annual convention in Charlotte, NC, June 18-20, 2009. Scholarship prizes are for first place $1,000, second place $750, third place $500 and fourth place $250.

Nine students from across Virginia competed this year, including students from the Virginia Beach and Winchester area as well as Northern Virginia.  All that attended agreed that the quality of the speeches this year was outstanding!

"Virginia is fortunate to have so many fine young men and women eager to stand up in defense of innocent human life," said VSHL President Olivia L. Gans after the event.