Odessa Toastmasters, club number 7072, in Odessa, Texas, celebrated its 25th anniversary in March 2020.
On this 25th anniversary, the club also celebrates its third year in a row as a President’s Distinguished Club. This is also their 4th President’s Distinguished Award in the past 11 years.
Over the years, the club has produced five Distinguished Toastmasters (DTMs) with three of the awards earned during the 2018-2019 Toastmasters year: Jack Westerfeldt, Janine Deckard, and Gerrie Spurgeon.
Club members have earned a total of 26 awards so far in the 2019-2020 Toastmasters year. These awards include three Level 5 awards and a Pathways Mentoring award. At 26 awards, as of June 7, 2020, the club has the third-highest number of awards of any club in our district.
Much of the continued success of the club is attributed to Jack Westerfeldt, DTM. A founding and highly-valued member, Jack remains very active in the club and is inspiring a new generation of Toastmasters.
“We wouldn’t be here were it not for his determination and passion for Toastmasters,” wrote Janine Deckard, DTM.
Along with awards, the club produces contest winners as well as leaders in our organization. Three current members have served as district officers: Westerfeldt, Deckard, and Spurgeon. In addition, Spurgeon received the Area Director of the Year award for 2017-2018.
Under normal circumstances, the club meets in person every Wednesday from noon to 1:00pm Central. During COVID19, the club is meeting online using Zoom. However, members fondly remember banner raids and community events. They look forward to getting back to in-person meetings again. With oil busts and booms, they are determined to keep their club a “Club of Champions” as they celebrate another hard-earned President’s distinguished status for the third year in a row!
If you’d like to visit Odessa Toastmasters, either via Zoom or while you’re in Odessa, Texas, please contact the club through their website: https://7072.toastmastersclubs.org/ .
