awards & recognition.
2026 Maine Right to Life Oratory Contest Winner
Maine Right to Life is proud to announce the winner of its 2026 Statewide Oratory Contest, a national-level competition that showcases the passion, conviction, and public speaking talent of high school students committed to the protection of human life.
Hosted and sponsored by Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, this marked the first year Maine has participated in the National Right to Life Oratory Contest program.
This year’s winner is Christian Corcoran, a senior at Cheverus High School. Christian delivered a compelling and articulate speech defending the dignity of every human life, earning top honors at this year’s competition. Judges noted his strong expression of faith, his ability to tell a meaningful story, and the way the theme of love was thoughtfully woven throughout his presentation.
The statewide contest mirrors the national competition, challenging students to research, write, and deliver original speeches addressing pro-life issues with clarity, compassion, and intellectual depth. Participants are evaluated on content, organization, delivery, and overall effectiveness.
Christian was joined at the event by his proud parents, Gerry and Deanne Corcoran, as well as his two siblings—together triplets—making the occasion especially meaningful for the Corcoran family.
“We are incredibly proud of Christian,” said Mike McClellan, Executive Director of Maine Right to Life. “The Oratory Contest is about more than competition—it is about equipping the next generation to speak thoughtfully and courageously about the value of every human life.”
The Oratory Contest is part of Maine Right to Life’s broader mission to educate and engage young people throughout the state. By encouraging students to thoughtfully examine life issues and articulate their beliefs in a public forum, the contest helps foster leadership and informed civic participation.
Maine Right to Life congratulates Christian Corcoran and looks forward to cheering him on as he represents Maine on the national stage in June 2026.
The Patricia DeGrinney LIFE Award
In 2009, the Patricia DeGrinney LIFE Award was instituted in honor of Patricia DeGrinney, a founding member of Maine Right to Life and a dedicated leader in Maine’s pro-life movement.
Patricia DeGrinney worked tirelessly for over 30 years to educate women and men concerning the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. A staunch advocate for the unborn and elderly, Patricia DeGrinney spearheaded many pro-life programs throughout the state of Maine.
The prestigious Life Award is presented to a Maine citizen who has consistently demonstrated compassion, leadership, and service for Maine’s most vulnerable people, which include everyone from unborn babies, handicapped individuals, and
people of all ages who are at risk of suicide or euthanasia.
2026 Recipient
The Most Reverend Thomas Riggieri
Past Winners of the
Patricia DeGrinney LIFE Award
2025 Andy Levesque of Gorham
2024 Representative Laurel Libby of Auburn
2023 No Award Given
2022 No Award Given
2021 Judy Icenogle of Winslow
2020 No Award Given
2019 Bruce & Jan Wilson of Hope House in Lewiston
2018 Sandy Faucher of Augusta
2017 Cyndi Broyer of Mother Seton House in Fryeburg
2016 Carroll and Terri Conley of the Christian Civic League
2015 Christopher Coughlan of Randolph
2014 Barbara Ford of Godparent Home Ministries in Bangor
2013 Carl Maddaleni of Scarborough
2012 Dr. Ronald & Mrs. Mary Lou Carroll of New Harbor
2011 Judy Cushing of Abba-Women’s Choice in Portland
2010 Margaret Yates of Wilton
2009 Patricia Truman of Hallowell
The Maine Legislative LIFE Award
Beginning in 2025, Maine Right to Life will annually present the Maine Legislative LIFE Award to a member of the Maine Legislature who has demonstrated exceptional courage, commitment, and clarity in defending the sanctity of human life.
This award recognizes a legislator who has stood strong for life—whether in sponsoring or supporting pro-life legislation, speaking truth with conviction, or being a consistent voice for the voiceless at the State House.
Each year, this award will honor a lawmaker whose actions reflect integrity, moral clarity, and a deep respect for the dignity of every human life, from conception to natural death.
2026 Recipient
Rep. Katrina Smith
Past Winners of the
Maine Legislative LIFE Award
2025 Rep. Reagan Paul
Past Winners of The Patricia DeGrinney LIFE Award
2024 Representative Laurel Libby of Auburn
2023 No Award Given
2022 No Award Given
2021 Judy Icenogle of Winslow
2020 No Award Given
2019 Bruce & Jan Wilson of Hope House in Lewiston
2018 Sandy Faucher of Augusta
2017 Cyndi Broyer of Mother Seton House in Fryeburg
2016 Carroll and Terri Conley of the Christian Civic League of Maine in Augusta
2015 Christopher Coughlan of Randolph
2014 Barbara Ford of Godparent Home Ministries in Bangor
2013 Carl Maddaleni of Scarborough
2012 Dr. Ronald & Mrs. Mary Lou Carroll of New Harbor
2011 Judy Cushing of Abba-Women’s Choice in Portland
2010 Margaret Yates of Wilton
2009 Patricia Truman of Hallowell