Messages from the OTY's Champions

Rookie of the Year: Fola Alabi (Igniters Club)

As I reflect on my journey through Toastmasters, winning the Rookie of the Year award at the club, area, and district levels has been an extraordinary honour. It’s more than just a title; it’s a testament to the growth, dedication, and passion I have poured into this incredible organization.
Toastmasters has been my guiding light, illuminating a path of self-discovery and personal development. Each meeting, speech, and evaluation has been a stepping stone, shaping me into a more confident and articulate communicator.
Receiving the Rookie of the Year award at the club level was an unexpected delight, a validation of my efforts and commitment. It fueled my determination to push further, to challenge myself beyond my comfort zone. Winning at the area level was a humbling experience, standing alongside fellow Toastmasters who share the same drive for excellence.
However, it was at the district level that the magnitude of this achievement truly sank in. Competing among some of the finest speakers in the region, I felt a sense of awe and gratitude for the opportunity to showcase my skills on a larger platform.
But beyond the trophies and accolades, what truly resonates with me is the journey itself! Toastmasters has given me a supportive community, and a network of mentors and friends who have cheered me on every step of the way. It’s taught me the power of perseverance, the beauty of continuous improvement, and the joy of sharing my voice with the world.
Winning the Rookie of the Year award is not just a recognition of my achievements; it is a celebration of the countless hours of practice, the moments of self-doubt overcome, and the friendships forged along the way. It is a reminder that growth is not measured by the destination but by the journey we undertake, the challenges we embrace, and the lessons we learn.
As I continue on this remarkable journey, I carry with me the lessons learned from Toastmasters: the importance of authenticity, the value of feedback, and the belief that every voice matters. As I look to the future, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead, knowing that with Toastmasters by my side, the possibilities are endless. With gratitude, grit, grace!

Testimonials:

The recipient of this award has completed Level 1 and several other projects in Pathways.
They have done a wonderful job as our club President, leading our club to a President Distinguished, leading the executive, and inviting guest speakers.
The recipient has helped in organizing the contests and other events.
This enthusiastic, motivating, and inspiring president has conducted executive meetings and encouraged other leaders to help each other plan activities and events for the club.
Has worked with other leaders to invite guests to our meetings, including the Yoodli Ambassador.
Has also given speeches to help develop skills in their career.
Took on the challenge of the President’s role with great enthusiasm.
She is a new member, yet shone brightly accepting the president last year.
She did a fabulous job as our president, continuing to give speeches, and along with the Executive team helped lead our club–The Igniters–to President’s Distinguished.
She is a dynamic leader who deserves this prestigious award.

Public Relation Program Of The Year

Team Marcy Field, Lisa Branch, Ruby Gunna

When the VP PR left the club to pursue an MBA, the PR team stepped in to fill the gap. Another person joined them in the New Year, helping with the posting.
Their commitment enabled their club to attract new members.
They helped build a stronger and vibrant club by building awareness through their public relations efforts and effectively delegating responsibilities, showcasing our members’ achievements on our Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram accounts.
With their commitment to lifelong learning and dedication to the club’s vision, they have been diligent, effective, and hard-working organizers, planners, and leaders, striving to achieve personal and club goals by promoting the Club and its members’ progress in communication and leadership goals.
Effectively uses the TM Brand to spread awareness of the organization, bonding us with the larger, global community.
Fluor employees who are club members shared posts and information created by the PR team, attracting Fluor employees as guests, with some renewing their membership and others joining Toastmasters for the first time.

Toastmaster of the Year: Saya Sanyal (Inspired Toastmasters)

Testimonials:

Took the lead with Speechcraft, which brought us, new members.
Attended club meetings and events and took on any role that needed to be filled.
Has attended every Executive meeting and brought energy to the club and had a positive influence on others.
Became Club President or vice president this year.
Has contributed significantly not only to the club’s success this year but also to the success of the district.
Completed Level 5 Path and was part of the District Hybrid Conference Committee.

President of the Year: Brian Fegan (Waters Edge Toastmasters

It was truly an honour to receive the President of the Year award for 2022-2023! It was such a wonderful year! Whatever project I engaged in there were always dedicated Toastmasters who were willing to step forward to volunteer their time and lend their expertise.
Early on in the year I spent time developing a greater understanding of how the different pathways projects worked and how they supported meeting and leadership roles. I was able to share this knowledge and apply the skills that I acquired with the different teams I worked with as a sponsor, club mentor and club coach.
I was so fortunate to have such an excellent club executive team at Waters Edge Toastmasters that was fully engaged in working with me to help the club achieve President Distinguished status. We started the year with 7 members and ended with 15!

This was definitely a year to remember! Thanks, everyone!

Testimonials:

Served a full term (12 months) as Club President, brought value to the club, and modelled commitment to all members.
Provided exceptional leadership while serving as a Club President.
Has shown outstanding contributions to their club and District 42 Toastmasters.
Does not fall into one of the categories of f) or g):

Achieved Distinguished Club Program (DCP), as published by Toastmasters International in digital format;
Submitted semi-annual report and dues, which were received by Toastmasters International by October 1st and April 1st;
Submitted the new Club Officer List to Toastmasters International by June 30 at the end of his/her term of office (as recorded on the following year’s DCP report);
Club President or Club VP Education must attend the virtual Fall District Council Meeting (As per Toastmasters Guidelines Article X, Section E states proxy votes are not permitted in a virtual meeting.
Was represented by voting delegate(s) at the Spring District Council Meeting (As per Toastmasters Guidelines Article X, Section E states proxy votes are not permitted in a virtual meeting)
Was represented by a voting delegate or proxy at the Toastmasters International Annual Business Meeting;
For clubs electing annually, the President is not serving a successive full term in office; or,
For clubs electing semi-annually, the President is allowed to serve two six-month terms consecutively and is not serving additional successive terms in office.

- Led his club to grow the membership from 7 to 15 members.
- Led the club to achieve 9 goals and became the President Distinguished Toastmasters club.
- Volunteered at Division contests as Toastmasters, and COT training.
- Served as Club Mentor of Safeway Stampeding Speakers.
- Served as Club Sponsor for Mosaic Masters Toastmasters and Kepler Astrologers.
- Served as Club Coach of Waters Edge Toastmasters.
- Served as Club Extension Chair.
- Served as Club President and VPE.
- Mentored new members.
- Assisted other clubs to grow.

Area Director of the Year: Debbie Stearns (D23)

Being recognized as the Area Director of the Year is an incredible honor that fills me with gratitude and pride. This recognition means the world to me, and I am truly humbled by it.
My journey as an Area Director has been immensely fulfilling, particularly within Division D, where I had the privilege of serving. Working closely with four exceptional clubs – High River, Big Rock Pioneers, Fish Creek Bravehearts, and Calgary Pacesetters – has been an enriching experience. These clubs have shown unwavering dedication and resilience in maintaining their momentum, and it has been a pleasure to support them in their endeavors.
I am deeply grateful to Chuck Leblanc, the Division D Director, for his exemplary leadership and for setting a compelling theme for the year: “We will not lose a club in Division D.” This theme served as a guiding light, igniting a shared determination among us to safeguard the vitality of each club within our division. Together, we worked tirelessly to ensure that every club not only survived but thrived. I am proud to say that we achieved our goal, thanks to the collective efforts of dedicated individuals who rallied behind this cause.
For me, success in this role went beyond mere metrics of achievement, such as earning select distinguished status for the area. Instead, it was about fostering a spirit of collaboration and support, stepping outside my comfort zone, and reaching out to members beyond the confines of my home division. This journey allowed me to broaden my horizons, learn invaluable lessons, and forge meaningful connections with Toastmasters from diverse backgrounds.
Indeed, the most rewarding aspect of this experience has been the opportunity to learn and grow alongside fellow Toastmasters. Each interaction, each challenge, and each success has contributed to my personal and professional development in ways I could never have imagined. To all those who have been part of this journey, I extend my sincerest thanks.
As I reflect on this achievement, I am reminded of the profound impact that Toastmasters has had on my life. It is a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and continuous learning. As I look to the future, I am inspired to continue serving and contributing to this remarkable organization, knowing that together, we can achieve great things.
Once again, thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in me. This recognition is not just mine alone, but a testament to the collective effort and dedication.

Testimonials:

Was able to keep membership steady.
Led by example by working on Pathways speeches and projects.
Visited their clubs regularly, attended all club contests, and arranged for outside speakers to present at their clubs.
Has constant presence at Area, Division, and District meetings. Always participated in these meetings and used these meetings as a week to seek out information to constantly improve their clubs.
Always smile, have a positive attitude, and determination to succeed.
When most people might give up, she did not.
Became a member of the Club Extension Committee and helped in chartering prospective clubs.
A source of inspiration and someone who is dedicated to her team, to Toastmasters, and to those outside of her team.
Revived a failing club and brought them up to member strength.
Achieved Select Distinguished for the area.

Division Director of the Year

I am truly, deeply, profoundly honored and surprised to be awarded as 2022-2023 Division Director of the Year together with my partner Alwa. This award is beyond anything I could have imagined, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
This recognition is not just a testament to our efforts, but also to the dedication and hard work of every member of our divisions.
I gained so much experience and friendship from this journey, and I am confident to say, I am a better leader than I was before.

OTY awards remind me to reflect on how this achievement cannot be reached without the village of Toastmaster members. From our weekly meetings to orchestrating large scale conferences, you can always find great people who will lend a hand or guide you to excellence. Without my teams unwavering commitment and encouraging spirit, this achievement would not have been possible. This recognition also signifies notable advancements in my abilities and confidence, underscoring the significance of Toastmasters in my personal growth journey

Testimonials:

They served at least 6 consecutive months as a member of the district council.
Have selflessly and genuinely cared about people.
Unassumingly helped up-and-coming leaders push outside their comfort zone.
Demonstrated endless amounts of patience and understanding while building confidence in their leaders.
Showed tenacity and willingness to try new things.
Organized in-person Leadership Training last Jun-2023.