On August 24th in Anaheim, CA, I had the distinguished privilege of leading the charge to the stage as District 58 was honored as a Distinguished District - #14 in the world - at the Toastmasters International Hall of Fame ceremony. It was an added distinction to be part of the only region having all of its destricts achieve distinguished status or better. Proud cheers resounded throughtout the auditorium as we chanted "Eight for Eight in Region Eight" when each Region VIII District received its individual award.
      While Geneva Anderson, Bill May, Patricia Gann, James Carpenter, Terry Wileams, Terry Shriner and Robbie Romeiser accompanied me, the stage was not complete. You were not there - you who made up the clubs, the areas, the divisions, and the district team that truly earned this worthy recognition are the reason I recieved this honor as your District Governor.
      I cannot possibly name each one who helped achieve our worthy goals; but please allow me just a few special remarks.
      First, my thanks to our new clubs and to those Toastmasters who helped these clubs take their first baby steps on the road to personal improvemment. State Farm, Blackbaud, DialMasters, Beech Baby Talkers, Bee Sucessors, Laughmasters, Glassy Mountain, DOT, and Significant Voices please accept my appreciation for the important role you played in District 58's success. You truly are "Friends helping Friends succeed."
      Special thanks and recognition goes to you who shared Toastmasters with a friend, a co-worker, an acquaintance and brought new members into your clubs. So many of you made a difference in the lives of others simply by asking them to join your clubs. A great note of gratitude goes to the leaders of this pack - Curtis Yant, DTM, Eileen Jago, ATMG, Bill May, DTM, and Will May, ATMG.
      My praise extends to our 2000-2001 Area Governors. You are the individuals who kept the ball in the air and the clubs on the ball. Congratulations for not only accepting this valuable leadership opportunity but for doing so with enthusiasm and great personal effort. To select the Area Governor of the Year from this outstanding team was a most difficult task. In choosing William Arnold II, CL, as the 2000-2001 Area Governor of the Year, I selected an individual who amply displays his dedication to the on-going success of both District 58 and individual Toastmasters who benefit from a strong and successful district.
      A grateful heart wishes to share its appreciation for the 2000-2001 Division Governors. John Mallon, DTM, Douglas Wilson, ATMG, Terry Shriner, ATMB, David Fillion, ATMB, and Lee Holliday, ATMG kept the focus on strengthening clubs and district leadership in order to meet goals and exceed expectations. Again, it ws daunting to choose among five of my favorite friends the one individual to receive the highest honor. As I reviewed the accomplishments of each division, one name rose to the top. This individual demonstrated complete dedication and dependability. He chose to serve as both an Area Governor and Division Governor and met that challentge with complete success. Douglas Wilson, ATMG, thank you for being on our team, for serving District 58, for being a friend and fellow Toastmaster as well as our 2000-2001 Division Governor of the Year.
      It becomes even more difficult for the District Governor to recognize one didividual for his or her accomplishments on behalf of the Disrict when there are so many worthy candidates. But ever since my first Toastmastes Club meeting in September 1993, one very distinguished gentleman with a very wry sense of humor has stood out from the rest. When accepting leadership opportunities, this gentleman demonstrated great patience and persistence in meeting his responsibilities. While choosing to avoid the limelight, he quietly helped form numerous clubs and became an anchor to clubs seeking to rebuild. Congratulations to Derwin (Doc) Lamb, DTM, 2000-2001 Toastmaster of the Year. I thank you for being completely reliable and making a tremendous difference not only to me but also to so many others in District 58.
      My friends and fellow Toastmasters, it has indeed been my pleasure to be your 2000-2001 servant leader. Thank you for sharing - for caring - for making a distinguished difference in District 59! Although you were unable to share the Hall of Fame stage, you will always share a special place in my heart.