by Thomas Goodwin
The event titled “Happy Endings and Exciting Beginnings” truly embodied its theme. It all started with District Director Marcheta Gardner leading us in a unique activity called ‘Funishment’.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, a ‘Funishment’ serves as an incentive for our Area Directors (ADs). If they submit ALL their reports on time throughout the year, the Trio (District Director (DD), Program Quality Director (PQD), and Club Growth Director (CGD)) must face some sort of entertaining consequence. In Marcheta’s case, it involved a lively song and dance performance accompanied by backup singers.
Next, we had the pleasure of introducing the incoming Trio. Emily Murray, DD-Elect, shared her sunny disposition and vision for the upcoming year. Emily’s irresistible charisma makes it hard to refuse her anything. Jesse Ford, the PQD-Elect, presented his comprehensive plans that will maintain D25’s position as a leading district in Toastmasters International. Phylliss Christian-Daniels, CGD-Elect, charmed us all with her dazzling smile and inspired us to work diligently towards growing and influencing our membership.
Then came ‘Funishment’ number two, where outgoing PQD, Jesse Ford, led a spirited ‘Cheer Session’.
If you haven’t witnessed Jesse in a cheerleading skirt, you’ve truly missed experiencing Mozart the way it was meant to be seen! I understand that these are mixed metaphors, but the image is unforgettable.
We also addressed other important matters, such as TLI dates, expectations, and reviews of supplemental reports. The handoff between outgoing and incoming ADs provided a valuable opportunity for ADs and Division Directors to meet face-to-face and discuss the Leaders Advance Training (Leaders don’t retreat, we advance). As an incoming AD, I found this conversation to be enlightening.
As the event drew to a close, it was time for ‘Funishment’ number three. Emily Murray was meant to participate in a reprise of the infamous ‘ice bucket’ challenge from previous years. Despite pleas and bribes to the ADs, Emily bravely ventured out to the parking lot for her ‘Funishment’.
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Although our courageous incoming District Director expected a chilling shower, the ice-cold water miraculously transformed into confetti, visibly relieving her as a result.
The D25 Leadership Transition Breakfast was an undeniable success. Once again, D25 leads the way into the new Toastmasters year, encouraging everyone to “Share Your Sunshine!”
