The year was 1997. 

 

Grace Durgin walked into Kennebec Valley Toastmasters. From the start she became a team player, helping the club and its members. Grace held every club officer role at least once, was Area 5 Governor three times, and competed in the District 45 Humorous Speech contest twice.  Those who have heard her "Pantyhose" speech, know how funny she is. Grace also earned her DTM; Kennebec Valley Toastmasters' first member to do so.                                         

After 24 years, Grace made the decision to “retire” from Toastmasters.  KVTM gave her a rousing fond farewell! Grace had no idea the meeting was in her honor.

Grace’s speech compared Toastmasters “back in the day” to Toastmasters now.  She gave a mini-history lesson of the KVTM meeting changes. A DTM to the end, her speech was well thought out, inspiring and entertaining – all in 6:55 minutes!

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Table Topics had a theme: A Toast to Grace: “…thank you for making me a better speaker, and a better person.”, “…thank you for your kind words and entertaining speeches.” “…leadership, beauty and style…”, “…it’s all in the name – Grace.”  There were cheers, tears and laughter.

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Kennebec Valley Toastmasters created a perpetual award in Grace’s honor:  the “Grace Durgin Teamwork Award”. Each year, it will be awarded to the member who best embodies “Teamwork”. Thus, Grace’s legacy will live on!

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“Walking into Kennebec Valley Toastmasters 24 years ago, was one of the best decisions of my life.”           – Grace Durgin, DTM.