by Josh Bauer Area 53 Director
On the evening of August 24th, numerous District 25 Toastmasters (and a few guests!) gathered at the elegant Ridglea Country Club to commemorate a year of growth, achievements, and connection. The YEC was a testament to the power of dedication, community, and the spirit of leadership.
The evening’s program was filled with highlights that captured the essence of Toastmasters: personal growth, team achievement, and building relationships. As with any good function, we also had some delicious food! Between heartfelt anecdotes and playful slideshows, the stories shared reminded everyone why they joined Toastmasters in the first place—to become better communicators and, ultimately, better versions of themselves.
I had my own celebratory moment when I accepted my Triple Crown pin, an award for completing three Pathways levels this year. I was also excited to accept several ribbons on behalf of my home club, the AAFCU Flying Toasters, honoring our collective achievements.
The highlight of my evening, however, was not anything that I or my club earned. It was seeing my own Area Director, Jin Lim, named as “Area Director” of the year. I immediately pulled my phone to email him my congratulations. He wasn’t able to attend in person but we got to see his funny and heartfelt acceptance recorded prior. Jin has always been a great source of encouragement, and he inspires me to be the best AD I can be in this coming year.
The evening wasn’t all about awards, though. The “Shiny Outfit” contest added a playful and fun element to the night, and while I didn’t win, I was flattered by the compliments I received on my outfit.
One of the most touching parts of the night was hearing the heartfelt and reflective remarks from our Immediate Past District Director, Emily Murray. Her words reminded us of the journey we’ve all been on, and the importance of community and perseverance in Toastmasters.
As the evening drew to a close, there was a sense of renewed purpose in the air. The District 25 Toastmasters members left with full hearts and a shared commitment to continue their journey of growth, both individually and collectively. The Ridglea Country Club, with its remarkable beauty, was the perfect setting for an unforgettable night—one that will surely inspire many more successful years to come.
