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Photos
include: Bob Farmer, Keynote Speaker, and Elaine Bailey, Toastmasters
President;
Volunteer of the Year Christy Riley and WIA Award Winners.
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WIA Banquet honors
Youth Achievers
By Christy Riley
Teen Scribe
Each person should “…recognize that within you, you have the power to
do anything you want to do,” Bob Farmer said.
Tuesday, June 21, the WIA (Workforce Investment Act) Youth Program had
a Graduation & Awards Banquet to honor the achievements of youth
participants.
“…WIA is a foundation for our future,” said Morgan Goubeaux. Morgan, a
youth participant, welcomed everyone to the dinner.
Attendees were then dismissed to eat the food, drinks, and deserts made
by WIA Youth Participants.
Michelle Miller-Elliott introduced the keynote speaker, Bob Farmer who
is a member of Toastmasters. Farmer has traveled the world with his
customer service job. He enjoys working with people and helping them to
see their greatest potential.
Farmer inspired youth, their families, adults, and other attendees to
use any challenge in life as an opportunity to succeed.
“We all have within us an inner part… and the key to life is being able
to tap into that and using it in life,” said Farmer. “Never let anyone
tell you that you are not good enough. Don’t let anyone stand in your
way. Say I am my own person, I can do it, and I will do it.”
After the inspiring speech, Brooke Combs, WIA Youth Participant,
summarized Toastmasters.
“Toastmasters give you the confidence to speak and communicate with
confidence,” Brooke said.
Next, Brooke defined what table topics were; table topics teach you how
to give impromptu speeches. Throughout the night, youth would give a
1-2 minute impromptu speech.
Miller-Elliott started to give out awards to youth participants. Those
youth participants present were able to win door prizes because of
their hard work.
Seeing surprised youth receive their certificates made the night fun
and enjoyable.
Presidential Service Awards went to youth for their volunteer service
hours. Presidential Award levels were Bronze for 100 hours, Silver for
250 hours, and Gold for 500 hours of volunteer service. The following
youth won the Bronze Level: Zac and Katie Riley. At the silver level
youth participant, Christy Riley was accredited.
The WIA Youth Program Volunteer of the year was Christy Riley for her
250 hours of volunteering.
The Partner of the year award went to Toastmasters for the three
scholarships they offered to youth and Paw’s Bingo for their
involvement with October’s Howl at the Moon fundraiser event for the
Darke County Humane Society.
Miller-Elliott closed the evening by thanking youth participants for
“putting your best food forward.”
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