Hilltop Toasters, the club inside the East Moline Correctional Center, held a contest a few days ago. We thought this Facebook post from club advisers Don Wadleigh and Kristin Bruchmann deserved more attention:
Another milestone, and wonderful meeting on the Hilltop. The first full-fledged contest, by the book, that has been totally planned and executed without outside (meaning us) help. International in style. Five excellent speeches, the top three were almost a dead heat. Four outside judges (two pro, two rookies) and three inside.
Third Place: Patrick: Become a Follower, as in a Follower of your own dream to become a Leader. Used many Biblical and present day examples.
Second Place: Neesha: Here’s the Story, as in life you face a number of experiences, some of which you react to, or some of which you accept and use to make a change. And in making that change, you must change, you must allow that little part of your big head become heard and take command of your life.
First Place: Marse: Look around you, see who you are with and who is as active as you are. And take advantage of that. Learn and apply. Education is the key to killing ignorance, and time is not on your side. Remember, “Time is like a snowflake, we watch it melt as we decided what we are going to do!”
We all came away wishing they could compete in the District’s Contests.
– Don Wadleigh
Awesome speech contest today at Hilltop. Five great speakers–these men have come a long way, and are determined to make the most of the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills
– Kristin Bruchmann