Corvallis Right to Life is seeking entries for the 2006 Oregon Right to Life Drawing, Essay and Oratory Contest, “Life, the Best Choice.”

The drawing contest has six age divisions for kindergarten through 12th-graders. All artwork must be original, and must be no larger than 8.5 by 11 inches.

The essay contest is open to students in fifth and sixth grades (200 to 300 words); seventh to ninth grades (300 to 400 words); and 10th through 12th grades (400 to 500 words). Essays will be judged on general organization, grammar, clarity of message, originality and incorporation of theme.

The oratory contest, consisting of a five- to seven-minute presentation, is open to high school juniors or seniors. Among the topics are abortion, euthanasia, infanticide and stem cell research.

Speeches will be made at 4 p.m. March 5 in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church upper social hall. Judges are Robert Iltis, chair of the speech communications department at Oregon State University, and Santiam Christian teachers Linda Nimmo and Rolf McEwen. The first-place winner will go on to the state contest for a chance to compete in the national contest.

The deadline for all entries is March 5. All first- and second-place winners of the drawing and essay contest will receive cash prizes and all winners will be recognized at a reception March 16.

For more information, contact Catherine Harrington at 929-8492 or pharmon@proaxis.com.

— Gazette-Times