Thirty-four students from secondary schools across Barbados graduated from the Sunjet Toastmasters’ 2024 Youth Leadership Programme over the weekend, the culmination of three months of workshops, seminars and presentations, all focused on developing leadership and communication skills.
During a ceremony at the St Michael School on Saturday, featured speaker Toastmaster Anthony Alleyne encouraged students to see their graduation as the first step on a journey of continued growth and excellence.
He urged them to use the skills they had acquired and keep uplifting themselves, the institutions they will represent and the people around them.
Alleyne referenced a quote by American author and orator John Maxwell: “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk”.
At the graduation ceremony, Isaiah Bobb received the inaugural John Kellman Award, given in memory of deceased Toastmaster, teacher and Barbados Defence Force Major John Kellman who died in April last year.
Kellman’s son expressed gratitude to the club for recognising his father’s contribution and thanked everyone on behalf of his family and mother, Sandy Fields- Kellman.
Others who won prizes were Khalil Barrow who was Best Prepared Speaker for the evening while Gabrielle Lewis was adjudged Best Impromptu Speaker.
The night ended with entertainment pieces from many of the graduates as they showcased their skills for their parents, teachers and specially invited guests.
Leadership programmes are held worldwide by Toastmasters clubs, in which students are required to present and evaluate speeches while demonstrating the rudiments of meeting protocols and chairmanship.
Coordinator and Toastmaster Andrea Duguid noted the significance of the programme, this being the 30th year for Sunjet, saying that many students who participate in this programme go on to become leaders within their schools as well as in their communities.
She added that “while some eventually join Toastmasters worldwide, others use their skills in their tertiary education or future professional lives.” (PR)
