TOASTMASTERS |
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| A Rotary Club sponsored partnership with
the Toastmasters at Abraxas High School has led to students learning communication skills,
building self-esteem, gaining confidence, improving their interview techniques and
ultimately enhancing their changes for survival in the business world. Students
learn these skills in a real world context with community volunteers as the outside
catalysts. While developing speaking skills in the students, the program also
teaches them leadership skills and prepares them to meet the demands and challenges of the
21st Century. Established in 1924, the Toastmasters, a worldwide organization
designed to promote a belief in the individual, bring true life experiences to the
students at Abraxas High School. They dare the students to dream and inspire them to
set bigger goals. They are both mentors and friends to the students. Many of the
students credit Toastmasters International with teaching them "to think on their
feet." By learning to give a variety of speeches, participating in interviews,
running the meetings and overcoming the fear of getting up in front of a group of people,
the students gain in communication skills of all kinds, become more aware of their own
leadership qualities and increase their feelings of self-worth. Attendance shows a
marked increase on Toastmaster days at Abraxas High School. Students make the
connection between school and work. The school promotes positive youth development
and fosters the performing arts, as well as improves the image of continuation education
within the community through this partnership. |
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