The highest award presented by Toastmasters International is the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award. Hours, weeks, and even months can be required just to complete one of the steps in this daunting process. But for those Toastmasters with the drive to accomplish it, all the work is worth it to receive the bronze medallion, the admiration of their peers, and the skills gained.

For the 2010-2011 year (July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011), the following District 23 Toastmasters have earned the Distinguished Toastmaster Award:

Angelia Diane Heare

Date: 7/1/2010
Club: Articulate Club
District Office: PRO, 2007-2008 (District 44)
Club Mentored: Lambs Into Lions (Hobbs, NM)
HPL Project: Combined Division E & Division F TLI in Plainview, TX. February 2009.

Rodney HindsRodney Hinds

Date: 7/1/2010
Club: RAIGING Toastmasters Club
District Office: Division E Governor, 2009-2010
Club Mentored: Xcelente Toastmasters
HPL Project: His HPL project was completed with two other members from his home club, Raiging Toastmasters. They all chaired different committees for the District Conference. His particular committee was the Seargent at Arms committee.

Astri Grace Hartley

Date: 7/1/2010
Club: High Vibrations Toastmasters
District Office:
Club Sponsored:
HPL Project:

Cecil C. Kirkpatrick

Date: 7/13/2010
Club: Oh Pinon Club
District Office:
Club Sponsored:
HPL Project:

Don DuBoisDonald B. DuBois

Date: 7/28/2010
Club: East Mountain Toastmasters Club
District Office: Lt. Governor Marketing, 2008-2009
Club Sponsored: Speak-EZ in Albuquerque, June 2010
HPL Project: Don’s HPL was for the 2008 Fall Conference. He chaired the conference from beginning to end and found it to be a very rewarding experience.

Date: 3/31/2011
Club: Tumbleweeds
District Office: Lt. Governor Education & Training, 2009-2010
Club Sponsored: Albuquerque Hispano Chamber
HPL Project: I developed a Strategic Plan for District 23.

These are Don’s third and fourth DTMs.

Don KeimeDonald Jay Keime

Date: 8/16/2010
Club: The Majestics Advanced Club
District Office: District Treasurer, 2006-2007
Club Sponsored: Handgards Toastmasters Club, September 2007
HPL Project: Don’s HPL project was serving as Chairman of the Registration and Finance Committee at the 2008 Spring Conference in El Paso. He organized the registration desk by assigning members of the Copper Masters and Handgards clubs to run the registration desk and to prepare the registration bags. Regarding the experience, he said, “My major learning from the project was do more planning. I needed to define in more detail the roles in finance and ask for more help.”

This is Don’s second DTM.

Jennifer A. Zappone

Date: 8/24/2010
Club: Gene’s Gesters Toastmasters Club
District Office:
Club Sponsored:
HPL Project:

Eric TonningsenEric J. Tonningsen

Date: 8/31/2010
Club: Rio Rancho Toastmasters Club
District Office: Area 21 Governor
Club Sponsored: City of Vision Toastmasters Club
HPL Project: Successfully applying the principles of adaptation, and clearly communicating goals and expectations with volunteer Board members for a professional organization that I chaired.

Jeffrie Burdette

Date: 9/7/2010
Club: Lobo Toastmasters
District Office: Area 34 Governor, 2009–2010
Club Coached: Lobo Toastmasters, 2010
HPL Project: Coordinated the club advertising for the Spring 2009 Conference while I was a member of the conference committee.

Keri Stewart

Date: 9/14/2010
Club: Kirtland Club
District Office:
Club Sponsored:
HPL Project:

Russell R. Rodke

Date: 9/28/2010
Club: Santa Fe Sunrise Club
District Office:
Club Sponsored:
HPL Project:

Bay StevensBay Stevens

Date: 10/12/2010
Club: Speak Ez’s
District Office:
Club Sponsored:
HPL Project:

Kyle Word

Date: 10/19/2010
Club: Toasters Club
District Office:
Club Coached: Lubbock LaughMasters
HPL Project:

Raymond Bradley Wolfgang

Date: 10/21/2010
Club: Daybreakers Toastmasters Club
District Office:
Club Sponsored:
HPL Project:

Molly Payne

Date: 1/5/2011
Club: Top Shelf Toastmasters
District Office:
Club Sponsored:
HPL Project:

Ellen Buelow

Date: 2/23/2011
Club: Taylor Ranch Toastmasters
District Office: Area 33 Governor, 2009-2010
Club Mentored: High Desert Toastmasters, December 2010
HPL Project: Hospitality Suite at 2010 district 23 conference. I was co-chair for the spring conference, participated in all committee meetings, and initiated the idea for the club pride basket project.

Renee B. Witherspoon

Date: 2/25/2011
Club: Downtown Club
District Office:
Club Sponsored:
HPL Project:

Sharon JeffersSharon W. Jeffers

Date: 3/21/2011
Club: Albuquerque Challenge Club
District Office: Area 32 Governor, 2004-2005
Club Mentored: Leadership 23 (now Tumbleweeds)
HPL Project: My HPL was centered around Membership … reaching out to prospective members, informing them about our club (Albuquerque Weekenders).  There was a two pronged emphasis on gaining and retaining members.  My initial vision was modified as a result of working with a team.  I recall the group also leaning towards a plan to have an educational speech about Toastmasters presented on a regular basis to keep the membership informed as new members joined.

Keri SutterKeri N. Sutter

Date: 3/22/2011
Club: Midday Madness Club
District Office: Area Governor, 2000-2001
Club Coached: RealOrators
HPL Project: To help RealOrators Toastmasters become a stronger club.  I worked with the club members in three areas:  communication, habits, and officer roles.  The club was sufficiently motivated to achieve Distinguished status that year.

Karen J. Panciera

Date: 4/12/2011
Club: Honeywell Sunrisers Club
District Office:
Club Coached:
HPL Project: