Toastmasters earn awards

Five Toastmasters earned awards July 15.

Chris Parker and Bret Kolb garnered their awards for completing the Competent Communicator manual. This involved giving ten speeches each stressing a different speech skill.

Karen Robinette mastered the requirements for her Advanced Leader Silver award. Robinette served as a district officer, completed the High Performance Leadership program and was a coach and mentor.

Vicki Kluever earned her Advanced Communicator Silver award. Kluever, in addition to getting her Advanced Communicator Bronze award, completed two more manuals and conducted two programs from the Better Speaker Series or the Successful Club Series.

Two very special awards were given. One to Chris Parker for being the member who improved the most since starting the program. John Rozzi received an award for being Chris’s mentor and his role as a club leader. Both men were given inscribed key rings.

Karen Robinette, Diana Straub, Meschelle Kolb, Vicki Kluever, and Jan Thurlow. Mentors coach new members and help them progress in Toastmasters one step at a time. Jan Thurlow received an award for completing her Competent Leadership manual. This involved using leadership skills in numerous areas. Meschelle Kolb earned an award for finishing her Competent Communicator manual. Meschelle had to give ten speeches each one focusing on a different speech skill.

Outgoing officers were shown appreciation, and new officers were inducted. The new officers are as follows: Joy Cypra Sergeant at Arms, Diana Straub Treasurer, Vicki Kluever Secretary, Chris Parker Vice President of Membership, Meschelle Kolb Vice President of Education, and Bret Kolb President.

Meschelle Kolb and John Royce were honored at a celebration for coming in first and third in the International Taped Speech Contest. This celebration was held at the Palmer Pavilion on June 28. Both Kolb and Royce delivered their winning speeches at the event.

Toastmasters is open to anyone who wants to improve his or her communication and leadership skills. The club meets from 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesdays at the Palmer MTA building. Everyone is welcome.

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