At a ceremony on June 27 when the Foothills Community Toastmasters Club installed its new board of directors, it was announced that the club had achieved the status of President’s Distinguished in the first year as a club. This status is awarded by Toastmasters International to clubs that meet specific goals in club growth as well as leadership and educational advancement of the members.

“Foothills Community Toastmasters has had a great first year,” said outgoing president Alithea Coleman. “We achieved the status of President’s Distinguished, which is the highest annual award that a Toastmaster Club can achieve. To have achieved this status in our very first year is nothing short of amazing. I am very proud to have helped to found this group.”

Each of the outgoing officers was given a certificate and each incoming officer was given a ceremonial key representing their commitment to both self-improvement and service. Then Coleman “passed the gavel” to the new president Dennis Coleman.

The new board consists of President Coleman, Secretary Chris Rowe, Treasurer Beth Franklin, Sergeant-at-Arms Ginny Atherton, VP Education Ruth de Silveira, VP Membership Sharon Bates and VP Public Relations Lallah Rowe.

“I want the members of our community to know that we are here for them,” said newly installed Club President Coleman. “Whether someone is speaking at their local PTA meetings, leading a Boy Scout troop, trying to better handle their job and co-workers, supervising a construction site, trying to get a promotion, running a small business or improving their sales, they can benefit from the Toastmasters program. It is not just about giving speeches. It is about learning how to lead. Our motto is ‘Toastmasters – Where leaders are made.’ That is what we do and that is what makes us such a great club.”

The club was founded in May 2015 and became an officially chartered club of Toastmasters International in October. The club meets every Monday night at the home of Richard and Susan Stewart, 10700 Hillrose Circle in Sunland.

For more information, visit www.foothillscommunitytoastmasters.club or email fctm.club@gmail.com.