Meet our 2020 Thomas Marzen Memorial Scholarship Recipients

AnnMarie Hemmerling of Crown Point has been announced as the top recipient of our annual Thomas Marzen Memorial Scholarship for young Indiana leaders attending college this fall. Hemmerling’s pro-life involvement began as a high school sophomore attending the National March for Life in Washington, D.C.. She has also been involved with the Diocesan Youth Council of Gary, Indiana, and has participated in numerous events through the Respect Life Ministry in her Diocese. She is also an active participant in Boilermakers for Life at Purdue. “The life issue is so important to me because of the message it sends,” wrote Hemmerling. “It speaks of love and proclaims God’s word on the importance of each life”.

Also receiving a scholarship is Rosa Elizabeth Trippel of Mishawaka. Rosa was actively involved with pro-life activities through her four years at Marian High School. She has been an avid member of the Knights for Life club, has attended the March for Life four times, was voted Vice-President of her Right to Life club, and helped organize a volunteer team for the Christ Child Society benefit auction.

A third recipient in 2020 is Amelia Turnbull of Fort Wayne. Amelia won Indiana Right to Life’s 2020 state oratory contest and has attended the National March for Life and the Northeast Indiana March for Life. In addition, she organized Carolers for Christ to minister to nursing home residents, has participated in the Pro-Life Club, and has volunteered extensively to help elect pro-life candidates to office.

We applaud all of this year’s applicants. We’re also thankful for our financial supporters who help make this scholarship program possible. You are appreciated!

Morristown Student Takes Third Place in National Pro-Life Oratory Contest

CHARLESTON, South Carolina – Mikayla Zwirn took third place at the National Right to Life Jane B. Thompson Oratory Contest with her speech on infanticide. The contest was held Jul. 6 in Charleston, South Carolina at the National Right to Life Convention.

Zwirn earned the opportunity to represent Indiana at the national contest after taking first place in the Right to Life of Johnson and Morgan Counties contest and the Indiana Right to Life contest.

Mikayla is the daughter of Lori and Pete Zwirn. She has six siblings. She was homeschooled and plans to attend Moody Bible Institute this fall, majoring in Ministry to Women.

“We’re so proud of Mikayla for giving an articulate defense of vulernable children,” said Mike Fichter, President and CEO of Indiana Right to Life. “Mikayla understands that infanticide is not only unpopular, but also a grave evil and cheapens our humanity. We congratulate Mikayla for placing at the national contest and wish her the best in her future education.”

Indiana Right to Life’s mission is to protect the right to life, especially of unborn children, through positive education, compassionate advocacy and promotion of healthy alternatives to abortion.

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