It’s been a while but I’m back.
On September 19, we held our annual Fall Symposium. Because of the pandemic, it was going to be held virtually. The beginning portion of the event was reserved for the awards ceremony. We recognized 43 newly Distinguished Toastmasters. One of them was me. These members earned their achievement. For me it took eight years. For some it took 20 years or more. Our new DTMs busted a move and showed off their swag.
Afterwards, it was time for our past District Director to present individual awards. First up was the recognition of clubs in each division who won highest honor. South Hills won in Division Awesome. They’re one of my future chapters I’m planning on visiting. No surprise in Division B as Cranberry High Noon took home the gold. They’re one of my favorite clubs to visit when I get a Monday off. The members there are very friendly and my last physical visit there was one of my best ever. They treat me like family and made me an unofficial member.
Penn Hills impressed in Division C with the impressive comeback that Nate Stephens and Virda Perry pulled off. From Extinguished to Distinguished. Check out the video on YouTube to see how he did it. Cheers to Mark Strucaly for not giving up either. Woman to Woman took home club of the year in Division D. There are some really great members in that club too.
Now let’s talk about the Spirit of Toastmasters award. I think our receipients all got some well deserved credit. Nate Stephens for bringing Penn Hills back from extinction. To go from three members to 15 and earn Distinguished says a lot. He deserves a Medal of Honor for his hard work. You can find him on the contest stage or trying his hand out at improv. Tina Kramer is a relatively new Toastmaster. She belongs to the Cranberry High Noon chapter (that’s how her and I met). She also served as a club coach for the Earlybirds club, helping them grow members and achieve Presidents Distinguished. Like CHN, Earlybirds is also one of my favorite clubs in District 13 that I like to visit.
The last award went to someone special. This person has made their rounds in District 13 and elsewhere. He has a blog and likes to identify himself as stylish and trendy (He has friends who are Trendy too). You can keep up with him to see where he’s been and where he’s going next. He’s congenial, kind, and a friend to everyone. He’s also a goodwill ambassador to the Toastmaster brand. It’s me.
Congratulations to Division B Director Jing Humphries for winning Toastmaster of the year. No one better to earn that award for all she has done with Earlybirds and in the District. A longtime Toastmaster who I’m blessed to call friend. Stephanie Scott for Area Director of the Year. I love participating with her in the big events. She and Jing are great friends and excellent Toastmasters. I was happy to be a part of the Area 13 speech and evaluation contest that Stephanie and Liz Carter put together. Terye Carney for Division Director of the Year. Terye and I met in the summer of 2017 and our friendship really took off late last year when she caught wind of my new blog. She encouraged me not to give up when people were putting me down. These three also have their own spirit of Toastmasters.
Remember to live your best life. Be your best self. Be a ray of sunshine ☀️. You might just save someone’s life with your positivity.
I’m making my small business rounds Saturday. It’s going to be a fun-filled day and I’m going to meet some great people. I have a nice outfit picked out. I think I’ll rock the boots as well. It begins with Team Trendy and ends at the TriWizard fest. I’ll be in my little Stars Hollow as well.
Have a great night. Weekend’s almost here.
Bye everyone. ❤️ you
Stylish 🍒 
Loved this!
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