Enjoyment, Fulfillment and Accomplishment at the Semi Annual Convention 2012

One of the most awaited events of the year has arrived – The Semi Annual Convention 2012. It was not only a distinguished and grand occasion for all Toastmasters members under District 51; it was also the time where champions from 11 divisions came together to compete for the Best Humorous Speaker and Best Evaluator titles in District 51. 

This year, Friendship Toastmasters Club is extremely privileged to have Timothy Nakayama to represent us to compete for both Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest in the District 51 Semi Annual Convention on 17^th November 2012. He was also honorably represented Division W, as well as, Area W3. 

Timothy came from a long way; he joined Friendship Toastmasters Club in January this year. Since joining the club, Timothy actively, enthusiastically and vigorously delivered his project speeches and evaluations in every meeting, as well as in other Toastmasters club meetings. Within the few months, he achieved the title as Advance Communicator Silver. 

Timothy’s long battle in the Humorous Speech and Evaluation contest began since our club contest on August 7^th 2012. After winning as club’s best humorous speaker and evaluator, he moved on to Area W3 contest on September 7^th. He continued to conquer both titles all the way to Division W contest on September 29^th. Finally, he was there to compete against 11 district-finalists at the Semi Annual Convention. During the period of competitions and preparation, many of us had witnessed how he worked his fingers to the bone- all the effort, discipline and determination to leverage himself contest after contest

As the day came, Timothy was all prepared and ready. Both Humorous Speech and Evaluation contests were furious and challenging as all contestants were outstanding and elite. Timothy resiliently competed with focus, perseverance and believes. Finally, he won the 1^st Runner-Up in the District 51 Humorous Speech Contest. Heartiest Congratulations to Timothy! He made a triumphant breakthrough for being the first Friendship member winning in a District Humorous Speech Contest. 

Timothy Nakayama receiving the 1st Runner-Up for Humorous Speech trophy from D51 Lieutenant Governor Education and Training, DTM Kiang Faang Pyng

Support, glory and pride. Friendship members who came along at the Semi Annual Convention to give power-whoosh to Timothy, including (from left to right) President Alexandra, VPM Sylvia Tan, VPE Daphne Au, Geok Ean, Immediate past President Angeline Lee and Sivadas (busy at the back)

Another marvelous thing that happened during the Semi Annual Convention was receiving the President’s Distinguished Club Award. Every year, Friendship Club strives to maintain its standard, values and integrity by serving its best for members and last term was no exception, under the leadership of our iron lady, Immediate Past President Angeline Lee. Let us thank and congratulate Angeline on her dedication, diligent leadership and hard work throughout the whole term 2011-2012.

Immediate Past President Angeline Lee receiving the President’s Distinguished Club Award from Immediate Past District Governor, Sue Chan

In conjunction to that, Friendship Club had also received Beat the Clock Award from Toastmasters International. We received the award for successfully added FIVE new members from May 1st to June 30th 2012. Kudos to Friendship! 

This journey and the event had taught all us much valuable lessons –passion, hard work, hope, believe, overcoming adversity, unity and of course, friendship! These were the few sweetest things that had happened in this term, and the best is yet to come!

Yours faithfully,

Alexandra Lau