Just two days ago, I attended a great speech contest at the Cranberry Municipal Building. Would today’s Area 21 contest at Pitt-Johnstown be just as good or even better?
It was way better. In the past, we were lucky to get two contestants in each competition. International Speech had six contestants. Evaluation had four.
I arrived at UPJ early as I had told Jim I was going to do. Dave Jones arrived at quarter before Noon just as Brett and I had done. Three division directors, past and present, in attendance. Jim and Michelle were already there setting up. As always, Michelle praised my stylish attire. I changed into my beige cardigan. I was rocking my infinity scarf 🧣 and boots 👢 well today.
Our team consisted of Jim Teague as Contest Chair, Brett Aristegui as Chief Judge, Cory Straub and Phil Sukenik as Timers, and Jim Tate as Ballot Counter. The contest was held at the John P. Murtha Center on UPJ’s campus.
Judges for the contest were Otis Simpson, Tony Utnik, Terry Hinton, Michelle Teague, and myself.
After Jim and Brett did their briefings, it was time for the contest to begin. First up was Tim Panzigrau from the Indiana club with his speech on World Travel and roughing it in the great outdoors. Second up was Dave Jones from Johnstown and his speech took place in the bathroom where he conversed with a five year old kid. That speech really had me laughing. Fran Lansberry from Allegheny Mountains was up next, speaking on suicide and the dangers of cel phone usage. It got us all thinking and put things into perspective. Lisa Ashlock from Johnstown talked about verbal abuse. She encouraged us to get out of that bad relationship if it became too toxic and we were being treated wrong.
The Elk County Chapter rounded out the speaking order. Manda Shaw and Shanda Kelsch gave great speeches. Manda, at the beginning, took us back 20 years ago to just before Y2K. She also talked about her health issues. Manda taught us to start believing in ourselves.
Shanda taught us that there were three things in life: Death, taxes, and change. She also spoke to us that we should play our hand well. We need to believe in ourself, forgive ourself, and love ourself, and to not be afraid to dream.
It was then on to the Evaluation contest. Michelle Teague served as the Model Speaker and her speech would be reviewed by four contestants. She talked about running her 5k and doing a “beer run” drinking beer while running the marathon. Her advice to us on our next birthday, sleep in instead of running that marathon.
Our contestants all gave great feedback. It was our first two who really shone in the event. This contest would come down to Dave Jones and Lisa Sukenik. I was amazed with how it flowed for both of them. Only time would tell if they’d finish at the top.
Jim then interviewed all the contestants and heard a lot of useful information about them. Stuff I never heard before.
It was now time to announce the winners of the area 21 contest. First was evaluation. In third place 🥉 was Tim Panzigrau. In second place 🥈 was Lisa Sukenik. In first place 🥇, drumroll, Dave Jones. On to speech now. No one went over time in either contest. In third place 🥉 was Manda Shaw from Elk County. Taking second place 🥈 was Shanda Kelsch, also from Elk County. Topping off the speech contest 🥇 was, drumroll, Dave Jones. Jones swept both contests and will compete March 28 at the Division C contest. Lisa and Shanda will be competing as well. The contest will be held at the same place as it was today.
It’s going to be a great one next month. But the two speakers from Elk County really impressed me today.
I was commended by Brett for my dedication the last two weeks as a model speaker and judge in the contest. I plan to keep it going. Fran loved my wardrobe today. She told me that the scarf and boots went good together, and she asked me if I had a friend who was a fashion designer. I was happy with that comment.
I felt our speakers looked like a million dollars, especially Shanda with her red dress and heels 👠. I can’t wait to see what she has picked out for Division. It’ll look great on her when she gives her winning speech.
I accompanied the Elk County Toastmasters up to Applebee’s for dinner. Morgan Rhinehart, their club coach, joined us as well. We had a great time.
I started my trip with coffee at White Rabbit. I ordered a matcha 🍵 latte I talked to some girls who were sitting up front with a six month old child in tow. Little Silas smiled at me the whole time. I also found out that one of the girls went to Hempfield so we shared stories.
Time to close off the blog. Remember to live your best life. Be your best you. ROCK out because you are worth it. Put together a great outfit and rock it even if no one notices. It’s the little things in life that matter.
February is over and Spring will be here in a few weeks. Make March lovely 😊.
Another area contest next week and then it really heats up in a few weeks with the division contests taking place.
Bye everyone. ❤️ you 😘 🤗.
Stylish 🍒 