Another day, another “what if” blog. I can twist these however which way I want to too. A month after an awesome Area 21 contest, it was back to Pitt-Johnstown for the Division C contest. Could Dave Jones repeat his success at home and advance to the District finals? Would Faerie Grace continue her inspirational run to greatness? Could Shanda Kelsch wow us once more with her heartfelt gift?
Before I made my way to Johnstown, I stopped for breakfast at Sun Dawg. Last time, my squad and I waxed poetic and nostalgic at White Rabbit over matcha 🍵 lattes and pastries. This time my new girlfriend (we officially became a couple the week before) joined us. I met my squad last fall after I moved back home and we’ve become fast friends. My girl and I met the same day of our coffee date.
I said this was a what if blog (so that means I can have a relationship if I want). She put together a nice outfit for breakfast (a skirt and sweater with boots) while my squad and I were more casual (or in my case, I was stylish).
After breakfast we parted ways. My girl and I kissed 😚 and I was off to Johnstown. We’d see each other tomorrow. It was a chilly morning but ain’t no stopping me. I passed by little Stars Hollow and drove up 271 to Menoher Blvd. to Goucher Street. I think you know where this is going. Has it been 20 years since I first walked through the doors at Hiram G? I arrived at UPJ around 11:45am.
I met up with Brett, Sue, and the Teagues. Soon to arrive would be the trio. Michelle complimented me on my stylish attire. I rocked my Gilmore Girls T-shirt with my whiskey boots 👢 and cognac leather jacket. I also had a new infinity scarf on. Is this how a Chief Judge dresses? If it’s the Stylish Traveling DTM then yes. Brett and I got our people together for briefing around 12:30.
The contest began just after one o’clock. All contestants made it. I sat with a close distance of the speakers. The Sokolowskis and Phil joined me. Brett introduced the dignitaries and went over logistics and roles. Now let’s have a contest.
The speaking contest was going to be tough to judge. The speakers were going to be that good. Faerie’s speech was very emotional 😭 and inspirational 🎈. She brought her balloon pump this time. Once again, Dave brought plenty of humor to his speech. He had me cracking up 😆 at the Area contest. Wade and Sanchita had a great story to tell as they looked to advance to District. Michael took into a day in the life at his job. This contest would be bookended with tear jerking speeches. Shanda really got us bawling 😭. That’s how powerful her speech was.
In the evaluation contest, Morgan Rhinehart served as model speaker. Our contestants had to give feedback of her speech. Elk County had a good group there to cheer her and Shanda on.
After the contest, I took my ballot counters and timers and we reviewed everything. Brett interviewed the contestants. Everyone had a good one minute story to share. The judges all signed their ballots and everyone came within time. After Brett wrapped up the interviews, the trio came up and spoke about promotions and the upcoming Spring Conference.
We then came back to the room and it was time to crown 👑 the winners. As I alluded to earlier, this was a hard contest to judge on both ends. In third place in the Evaluation contest was Sanchita Sarkar. Coming in as the runner up was Faerie Grace. Our 2020 Evaluation champion was *drumroll 🥁 please* Dave Jones. Could he possibly sweep again?
In the Speech contest, everyone was within time. Coming in third place was Dave Jones. Our runner up was Shanda Kelsch. Our 2020 International Speech champion was *drumroll 🥁 please* Faerie Grace. Greensburg was ecstatic as Faerie would be representing them at the District Conference on April 18 in Southpointe.
The contest wrapped up at 3:30 and we stayed and socialized for a while. I talked with the Trio and was in a few pictures with them and our champions. I got in the picture with our International Speech champion for Greensburg. She was absolutely amazing.
A group of us got together for dinner at Chili’s in Richland Towne Center. Fourteen in all. What a great day. It started with a breakfast date with my squad and ended with great fellowship with my awesome District 13 Toastmaster family.
Time to close off the blog. I’m enjoying doing these what if blogs. I do think it’s important to be yourself and be real. But it’s also fun to fabricate too. When the lockdown lifts we are all going to be out and about. I’m supporting all my small business friends in Ligonier, Greensburg, and Irwin. They’re going to need it. Stylish small business shopping spree coming.
The weekend’s here. Remember to live your best life. Be your best you. ROCK out because you are worth it.
Dance 💃 like no one’s watching. Sing 🎵 like no one’s listening. Live each day like it’s your last.
Bye everyone. ❤️ you 🤗 😘.
Stylish 🍒 