by Ninfa Flewitt DTM District Director 2021-2022
Who were the Top Five Winners of the Annual Awards Banquet? This was one of my favorite parts of the Awards Banquet, giving the awards! There were many deserving people this year, but only one can be chosen for each. Will you be on the list next year? I hope so!
Director’s Service Award for the year 2021-2022
This person spent countless hours in service to the members of District 25, using a special set of skills, a commitment to excellence, and a willingness to try new things to improve processes and quality is something that District 25 is known for the world over. Together with a dedicated team of helpers, this member spent 3,000 hours of service on a project in 2021-2022 and competed admirably in Club, Area, and Division Speech Contests. For his tireless service in building a new District website and working to improve the external face of District 25, the recipient of the Director’s Service Award is Michael Levy.
District Focus Award: Inspiring the District for the year 2021-2022
There are few people who inspire like the recipient of this award. When life throws you challenges, and you meet them head-on with a positive attitude even on your worst days; that inspires. When you go through physical challenges/changes, and still make sure to jump on a TLI session to be the Zoom Dude; that inspires. When throughout all those challenges, you make sure the website is updated daily; that inspires. The recipient of the District Focus Award: Inspiring the District, is Distinguished Toastmaster, Chuck Mencke.
Area Director of the Year 2021-2022
This Area Director set the bar for servant leadership, by stepping into the role when a friend needed help. This person is kind, helpful, supportive, and always looking for ways to build others up. This Area Director even brought their incredibly tolerant spouse to a club meeting on their anniversary to fulfill a promise made to a club! This Area Director tore up the highway between Haslet and Wichita Falls to attend meetings in person even though a hybrid option was available. They knew that the physical presence of an Area Director is important to club morale. Our Area Director of the Year is David Winkowski.
Division Director of the Year 2021-2022
This engaging, inclusive and creative Division Director spent the year encouraging Area Directors and clubs alike. When an Area Director stepped down, this Division Director did not judge. Instead, they spoke with support and encouragement and then jumped in to support those area clubs, leading to become a Distinguished Area. This Division Director also helped at events by leading registration teams and being a positive ball of energy working in her role until the last day, and sending emails to Area Directors and the clubs they supported. Our Division Director of the Year is Distinguished Toastmaster, Tammy Kasterke.
Toastmaster of the Year 2021-2022
The recipient of this award pours their heart and soul into supporting District 25. The recipient is a member of the Speaker’s Bureau, has participated as an officer trainer at multiple TLI sessions over both seasons, served as a club president, and was an education speaker at the D25 Annual Conference. In addition, they helped to ensure all the technical aspects of each event ran smoothly, including the logistics of the fall and spring DTM Ceremonies. This member serves as the Chair of the Inaugural Strategic Planning Committee, having accepted the position with the sole purpose of setting District 25 up for success for years to come. For supporting District 25 in those ways and more, Toastmaster of the Year is Distinguished Toastmaster, Jamie Pickering.
