Ash Banaszek and Calvin Custard Named Toastmasters Speech Contest Winners

Omaha residents Ash Banaszek and Calvin Custard placed first in their respective categories during the Toastmasters (www.d24tm.org) District 24 Speech Contests, which were held online on April 18 and featured contestants from all across Nebraska. Ash took first in the “International” contest, while Calvin took top honors in the “Tall Tales” category.

Ash’s speech, entitled “I Raise My Hand,” challenged audience members to consider when to ask questions and explained the consequences of doing so. She will advance to the regional level with Toastmasters International. A video recording of her presentation will be judged against other speeches from across the Midwest and central Canada. A first- or second-place finish in that contest would advance her to the International Speech Contest Semifinals, just one step from the World Championship of Public Speaking.

Calvin’s speech, entitled “The Tallest of Tales,” held audiences spellbound as he told his original story of his surprise encounter with Shaquille O’Neal that took him from being 5’6” to 6’6½” tall. Calvin joined Toastmasters in August 2019 and is club president of West Dodgers. The Tall Tales contest ended at the state level.

Other District 24 contestants in the International category featured Kristin Malek of Lincoln (2nd), Randy Prier of Papillion (3rd), and Mitch Nickerson of Grand Island. Tall Tales included Marty Ertz of Omaha (2nd), Debra Morton-Chale of Auburn (3rd), and Mike Meier of Lincoln.

Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas are served by Toastmasters District 24, grouping 70 Toastmasters clubs and 1,100 members. Learn more by visiting www.d24tm.org or the Facebook page (@D24TM).