Annual Awards
Visit the Event Calendar for more details about annual awards events
This award is the highest honor District 3 Toastmasters can bestow upon a non-Toastmaster. It recognizes individuals within our communities who have demonstrated outstanding communication & leadership skills. Any member or club in good standing can nominate someone for this award.
PRESENTATION TIME
This award is to be presented by District 3 Annually.
CRITERIA
- Not be a Toastmaster
- Reside within District 3 boundaries
- Agree, in advance, to attend the award ceremony to receive the award and speak at the awards presentation
- Have made a significant contribution to the communities within District 3, through his/her communication and leadership skills
- Not have previously received this award
- In addition, the Selection Committee should select a recipient whose stature and contributions facilitate the efforts of District 3 to generate publicity in the community for Toastmasters and promote Toastmasters attendance at the Spring Conference
SELECTION
- Submit nominations now through February 28, 2022.
- Tell the story in a Who, What, Where,
Past Communication and Leadership Award Recipients
Year | Awardee |
Spring 2022 | Pat Griffen, Executive Director of Against Abuse, Inc. |
Spring 2021 | Debbie Nez-Manuel AZ Democratic National Committee Woman |
Spring 2018 | Jody McPhearson Three C’s Youth Project |
Fall 2017 | Dr. Gerard Van Belle |
Fall 2016 | Jessica Cox |
Spring 2015 | Courtney Klein, Co-Founder & CEO of SEED SPOT |
Fall 2014 | Kristi Tedesco, KVOA News Anchor/Reporter |
Spring 2014 | Sharon Bates, Anthony Bates Foundation |
Fall 2013 | Dr. Ron Barnes |
Spring 2013 | Dr. David Beyda, Medical Director, Medical Mercy |
Fall 2012 | Dr. Lynn Olslen, Educator and Community Organizer and Facilitator |
Spring 2012 | Scott Jacobson, Leadership & Community Developer |
Fall 2011 | Helen Handler, Nazi concentration camp survivor |
Spring 2011 | Rosie Romero, Radio Personality |
Fall 2010 | Jason Schechterle, Phoenix Firefighter and community activist |
Spring 2010 | PJ Dixon, Motivational and Inspirational speaker |
Fall 2009 | Lew Reese, Radio Personality & community servant |
Spring 2009 | Brenda Combs, Educator and community activist |
Fall 2008 | Pat McMahon, Television & Radio personality |
Spring 2008 | Bill Pepicello, PhD, President, University of Phoenix |
Spring 2007 | Betty Fairfax, Educator and Philanthropist |
Spring 2006 | Linda Cobb, “Queen of Clean” |
Fall 2005 | Bob Walkup, Mayor of Tucson and his wife Beth Walkup |
Spring 2005 | Dan Davis – KTVK Channel 3 |
Spring 2004 | Jane Robertson – 2004 Arizona Teacher of the Year |
Spring 2003 | Laura Lawless – Miss Arizona 2002 |
Fall 2001 | Robert A. Khan – Firefighter & Spokesman |
Spring 2001 | Marshall Trimble – Arizona Historian and Storyteller |
Spring 2000 | Kathleen Mitchell – Community Leader |
Spring 1999 | Jana Bommersbach – News Commentator |
Spring 1998 | Jerry Traylor – Motivator |
Spring 1997 | Dr. Jack Copeland – Heart Transplant Surgeon |
Spring 1996 | Sheriff Joe Arpaio – Maricopa County Sheriff |
Spring 1993 | Kent Dana – News Anchorman |
Fall 1992 | Linda Turley – News Anchor |
Spring 1991 | James H. Click – Chairman of Board, Interwest Bank |
Fall 1990 | Michael Dixon – Radio Talk Show Host |
Fall 1989 | Idelia B. Riggs – Educator |
Fall 1988 | Jerry Foster – Helicopter News Reporter |
Fall 1987 | Sister Mary Kathleen Clark – Community Leader |
Fall 1986 | Joy E. Marx |
Fall 1985 | Sandra L. Tarlen – Ashes to Life – Burn Support Group |
Fall 1984 | Larry Nielsen |
Fall 1983 | Joseph Black – Corporate Leader |
Fall 1982 | Ken Coy – News reporter and volunteer |
Fall 1981 | Joel M. Weldon – Professional Speaker |
Fall 1980 | Mary Jo West – Television Reporter |
Fall 1979 | Jesse Owens – 1936 Gold Medal Olympian & Humanitarian |
Fall 1978 | Lori Cox – High School Student Activist |
Being named an Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year honors members who embody the Toastmasters core values: Integrity, Respect, Service, and Excellence. A committee reviews and selects Outstanding Area, Division, and District Toastmasters

Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year (OTMOTY)
Being named the Outstanding Toastmaster of the Year (OTMOTY) means that you have taken full advantage of the educational and service opportunities offered through the Toastmasters program. Every District 3 Toastmaster should complete and submit an application, not only for the chance to win the award, but also as a means of measuring their personal performance within the Toastmasters program.
OTMOTY Award Recipients:
Year | Awardee |
2021-2022 | Barbara Schumacher, DTM |
2020-2021 | Nancy Duckett, DTM |
2019-2020 | Hallie Adams , DTM |
2018-2019 | Kristin Gramando , DTM |
2017-2018 | Jim Eng, DTM |
2016-2017 | Jeannie Enders |
2015-2016 | Bettie Covington |
2014-2015 | Marcia Roberts |
2013-2014 | Lisa Corwin, DTM |
2012-2013 | Patti Boyce, DTM |
2011-2012 | Nancy Goins, DTM |
2010-2011 | Jeff Morud, DTM |
2009-2010 | Al Gramando, DTM |
2008-2009 | Rose Beeson, DTM |
2007-2008 | Lynne Brasher, DTM |
2006-2007 | Mukund Moorthy, DTM |
2005-2006 | Roberta O’Connell, DTM |
2004-2005 | Don Griffith, DTM |
2003-2004 | Brenda Bird, DTM |
2002-2003 | Art Nieto, DTM |
2001-2002 | Trish Blackwelder, ATM-B/CL |
2000-2001 | Mike Kaml, ATM-S/CL |
1999-2000 | Nancy Starr, DTM |
1998-1999 | Doris Koressel, ATMB |
1997-1998 | Janette Gann, DTM |
1996-1997 | Beryl Burke, ATM |
1995-1996 | Bill Bristol, DTM |
1994-1995 | Robert Wagner, DTM |
1993-1994 | Steve Broe, ATM-B |
1992-1993 | Elizabeth Bebo, DTM |
1991-1992 | Kathy Collins, DTM |
1990-1991 | Avi Shalom, ATM |
1989 | Patricia Berardi, ATM-S |
1988 | Rita Kane, ATM |
1987 | William Chambers, ATM |
1986 | Mary E. Fleming, DTM |
1985 | Glenn Pike, DTM |
1984 | Margie J. Nieto, DTM |
1983 | Bob Erickson, DTM |
1982 | Tom Bintliff, DTM |
1981 | Deane Erickson, DTM |
1980 | Len Baker |
1979 | Paul Wiggs |
1978 | William D. Hamilton, DTM |
1977 | Bob Pultz |
1976 | Gerson Mosbacher |
1975 | Juris Kursulis, DTM |
1974 | Daniel J. Mahoney |
1973 | Joel H. Weldon |
1972 | Gerard Baronnat |
1971 | No Award |
1970 | Ken Skinner |
1969 | Ray Pruzzo |
Each year, all Area Directors in good standing and completing their term of service are eligible. Congratulations to these past Area Directors recognized for their leadership and service contributions to the District. To submit someone for this award (even yourself), fill out an application form to be reviewed by the committee, and announced at our annual awards celebration.
Year | Awardee | Area |
2022 | Angel Larena | A1 |
2021 | Amanda Cuda | S5 |
2020 | Sara Mayer | V5 |
2019 | Kristy Hopper | C4 |
2018 | Nancy Duckett | A1 |
2017 | Mike Giardina | S6 |
2016 | Brittany Randall | N6 |
2015 | Joan McCarrell | S2 |
2014 | Eddie Davis | S3 |
2013 | Sharon Walker | C5 |
2012 | Sara Bonfig | Y2 |
2011 | Jim Eng | S4 |
2010 | Ric Wattier | G2 |
2009 | Mike Mur | Y2 |
2008 | Kenna Thomas | G2 |
2007 | Evelyn Hughes | |
2006 | Colleen moore | Y6 |
2005 | Shelly Dudley | C3 |
2004 | Mick Fetty | Y4 |
2003 | Laurie Doeing | C5 |
2002 | Chris Vicencio | |
2001 | Cyndi Newburn | C5 |
2000 | Art Nieto | |
1999 | ||
1998 | DeeAnn Michael | P1 |
1997 | Connie Mendozza | G3 |
1996 | Kelli McDoulette | |
1995 | Caroleen Hitchens | N1 |
1994 | Liz Bebo | M2 |
1993 | Terri Sparks | |
1992 | Evelyn Yanagihashi | |
1991 | Bill Brooks | E2 |
1990 | Nancy Walker | |
1989 | Joan Newman | |
1988 | Clarice Lendriet | |
1987 | Roger Simpson | M1 |
1986 | Karen Landkamer | D3 |
1985 | Jim Davis | Area 1 |
1984 | Barbara Rogers | Area 9 |
1983 | Tim Young | Area 19 |
1982 | John Cash | |
1981 | Jan McKenzie | Area 5 |
1980 | Mary Margaret Dockendorff | Area 9 |
Each year, all Division Directors in good standing and completing their term of service are eligible. Congratulations to these past Division Directors recognized for their leadership and service contributions to the District. To submit someone for this award (even yourself), fill out an application form to be reviewed by the committee, and announced at annual awards celebration.
2021Alicia HillsOcotillo Divsion
Year | Awardee | Division |
2021 | Max Prasad | Ocotillo Divsion |
2020 | Edwin Weston | Tonto Division |
2019 | David Hopper | Catalina Division |
2018 | Angelica Delgado | Zuni Division |
2017 | Shelley Gabriel | Tonto Division |
2016 | Joan McCarrell | Mohave Division |
2015 | Eddie Davis | Zuni Division |
2014 | Jan Byrd | Saguaro Division |
2013 | Kristin Gramando | Picacho Division |
2012 | Ann Prettyman | Rio Division |
2011 | Nancy Goins | Yavapai Division |
2010 | Hallie Adams | Cholla Division |
2009 | Pete Karculias | Sonoran Division |
2008 | Cynthia Kerford | Gila Division |
2007 | Al Gramando | Gila Division |
2006 | Mukund Moorthy | Rio Division |
2005 | Trish Blackwelder | Cholla Division |
2004 | Laurie Doeing | Cholla Division |
2003 | Brenda Bird | Cholla Division |
2002 | Cyndi Newburn | Gila Division |
2001 | Don Griffith | Cholla Division |
2000 | Dixie Humphreys | Cholla Division |
1999 | Not Awarded | |
1998 | DeeAnn Michael | Paiute Division |
1997 | Warren Apger | Gila Division |
1996 | Liz Bebo | Verde Division |
1995 | Nancy Starr | Metro Division |
1994 | Lois Panserio | Western Division |
1993 | Grace Johnson | Metro Division |
1992 | Bill Brooks | Eastern Division |
1991 | Allen Canfield | Apache Division |
1990 | Michael Mastrovito | |
1989 | Mike Herskovits | |
1988 | Dave Metcalf | |
1987 | David Hiller | Metro Division |
1986 | Bonnie Hyde | Metro Division |
1985 | Jim Stavern | Southern Division |
1984 | Mike DiCerbo | Metro Division |
1983 | Suzanne Lennon | Metro Division |
1982 | Ernie Hughes | Metro Division |
In recognition of those who have shown excellent dedication to the Youth Leadership program.
Betty was a longtime member of District 3. She joined the Eyeopeners in Tucson in 1976 and Catalina club in 1990. During the 1980’s, Betty was an Area and Division Governor and achieved her Distinguished Toastmaster award.
She and her husband, Bob (a past Division Governor), were very active in youth leadership and helped influence many other Toastmasters to get involved with the Youth Leadership Toastmasters Program. Bob and Betty were always present at District 3 Conferences, even as their health began to decline.
In recognition of those who have shown excellent dedication to the Youth Leadership program:
Year | Awardee |
2021 – 2022 | Mitch Blocker and Mary Irwin |
2020 – 2021 | Edwin Weston |
2019 – 2020 | Lucinda McNeil |
2018 – 2019 | Jeannie Enders |
2017 – 2018 | Neena Murickan |
2014 – 2015 | Mary Lee Madison |
2013 – 2014 | Patty Boyce, DTM |
2012 – 2013 | Floyd Parks |
2011 – 2012 | JD Austin, DTM |
2010 – 2011 | Mike Zakis, DTM |
2009 – 2010 | Liz Shaw, DTM |
2008 – 2009 | Mukund Moorthy, DTM |
2005 – 2006 | Bobbie O’Connell, DTM |
2004 – 2005 | Michael DiCerbo, DTM |
2001 – 2002 | Caroleen Hitchens, DTM |
2000 – 2001 | Leonard Knight, DTM |
1999 – 2000 | Stan Walters, DTM |
1998 – 1999 | Caroleen Hitchens, DTM |
1997 – 1998 | Paul Knutson, ATM |
1996 – 1997 | Robert Wagner, DTM |
1995 – 1996 | Mike DiCerbo, DTM |
1994 – 1995 | Liz Bebo, DTM |
Each year at the discretion of the District Governor, a deserving Arizona Toastmaster is presented the Russ Backus Award. The recurring award is presented to recognize members for their continual service to District 3 and to the Toastmasters program.
Each year at the discretion of the District Governor, a deserving Arizona Toastmaster is presented the Russ Backus Award. The recurring award is presented to recognize members for their continual service to District 3 and to the Toastmasters program. Learn more about the history of the Russ Backus Award.
Year | Awardee |
2021-2022 | Trish Blackwelder |
2020-2021 | Lynne Brasher |
2019-2020 | Kristy Hopper |
2018-2019 | Hallie Adams |
2017-2018 | Tim Noble, DTM and Ellen Flanary, DTM |
2016-2017 | Bill Bristol, DTM |
2015-2016 | Bobbie O’Connell, DTM |
2014-2015 | Emi Bauer, DTM |
2013-2014 | Tim Swearingen, DTM, PID |
2012-2013 | Jeff Morud, DTM |
2011-2012 | Toni Leiboff, DTM |
2010-2011 | Jim Davis, DTM |
2009-2010 | Mike Kaml, DTM |
2008-2009 | Laurie Carr, DTM |
2007-2008 | Rick Saxton, ATM |
2006-2007 | Glenn Barber, DTM |
2005-2006 | P.J. Glauz, DTM |
2004-2005 | Steve Broe, DTM; Marcia Golombik, DTM (in memoriam) |
2003-2004 | Judy Norris, DTM |
2003-2003 | Jodie Kay Petra, DTM |
2001-2002 | Nancy Starr, DTM |
2000-2001 | Dee Dees, DTM |
1999-2000 | Lee Wagner, DTM |
1998-1999 | Juris Kursulis, DTM |
1997-1998 | Art Nieto, DTM |
1996-1997 | Mike DiCerbo, DTM |
1995-1996 | Jo Ellis, DTM & Lee Ellis, DTM |
1994-1995 | Bob Gillis, DTM |
1993-1994 | Glenn Pike, DTM |
1992-1993 | Oscar Herford, DTM |
1991-1992 | George Barnett, ATM |
1990-1991 | Russ Backus, DTM |
Established in 2004, the Art Nieto Club Excellence Award recognizes an active member dedicated to raising the standard of excellence in District clubs.
The purpose of this award is to recognize a Toastmaster who contributes exceptional service to the Clubs of the District. While Club officers serve their Clubs as part of their position descriptions within the Club, this award aims to recognize someone beyond the Club level who goes beyond the call of duty in service to Clubs.
Year | Awardee |
2021 – 2022 | Nancy Starr-Cassidy |
2020 – 2021 | Bettie Covington |
2019 – 2020 | Michael Holian |
2018 – 2019 | Trish Blackwelder |
2017 – 2018 | Prince Leftridge, II, DTM |
2016 – 2017 | Eddie Davis |
2015 – 2016 | Kristin Gramando |
2014 – 2015 | Nancy Goins |
2013 – 2014 | Jim Davis, DTM |
2012 – 2013 | Bill Bristol, DTM |
2011 – 2012 | Laurie Doeing, DTM |
2010 – 2011 | Tim Swearingen, DTM and Sally Goodwin, DTM |
2009 – 2010 | Melissa Jones |
2008 – 2009 | Susan Ball, DTM |
2007 – 2008 | Kathy Shoemaker, DTM |
2006 – 2007 | Mukund Moorthy, DTM |
2005 – 2006 | Shelly Dudley, DTM |
2004 – 2005 | Michael Desiderio, CTM |
2003 – 2004 | Jeff Morud, DTM |
The Juris Kursulis Sprit Award is bestowed at each District 3 conference upon the person who demonstrates unusual enthusiasm, dedication, and caring for District 3 and its members. The award is in the name of Past District Governor Juris Kursulis, DTM.
The Juris Kursulis Sprit Award is bestowed at each District 3 conference upon the person who demonstrates unusual enthusiasm, dedication, and caring for District 3 and its members. The award is in the name of Past District Governor Juris Kursulis, DTM.
Juris and his wife, Betty, were regular attendees of District 3 conferences for over 30 years. Juris always sported his vest from the 1981 International Convention hosted in Phoenix, and continued to festoon the vest with memorabilia, ribbons, pins, and awards. In 2004, when Juris knew that he had not much longer to contribute to the District, he asked International Director Nancy Starr-Cassidy to take possession of his beloved vest with the promise that it would be used to do something “good for the District.” What better way to honor Juris than to honor those who continue the tradition of caring and giving?
The award is presented at the Hall of Fame Luncheon at each District conference. The winner must be present to receive the award and to earn the right to wear the Vest!
About Juris Kursulis
Juris came to America as a teenaged immigrant, escaping war in his homeland of Latvia. He became a U.S. citizen and joined the Air Force, where he met his bride, Betty, and her two amazing daughters in New Mexico. The family moved to Arizona where Juris went to work for Motorola. He became a member of Voice of Motorola Toastmasters (now Voice of Many), where he remained a member the rest of his life. In 1995, Juris helped form the Leaders Plus club, where he also remained an active member until his passing in 2005.
Juris was a man “bigger than life”–passionate about family, service to the nation, and Toastmasters. He was an outspoken, active member of the Past District Directors Committee and was always willing to challenge leaders
to ensure they were doing the right things for the right reasons. In later years, as he needed a cane to assist with his walking, he was known to wave the cane to add emphasis to an important point.
Unknown to many, this bear of a man was truly a gentle giant,always ready to share a quiet word of encouragement to leaders as they made difficult decisions or took other actions that showed their growth as Juris’s Vesta leader, and was a friend to many. He held us to a higher standard, and for that we were grateful.
About the Vest
In 1981, Phoenix served as the host District for the International Convention at the Phoenix Convention Center. The host committee volunteers received vests made of blue denim, embroidered with the conference theme and date. Juris served on the host conference committee, and wore his Vest at every conference thereafter.
Past Award Recipients
Year | Awardee |
Spring 2022 | Barbara Schumacher |
Spring 2021 | Wendy Durfee |
Spring 2019 | Don Griffith |
Spring 2018 | Sandee Brogan |
Fall 2017 | Laurie & Lou Rangel |
Spring 2017 | Michelle Zalak |
Fall 2016 | Jim Davis |
Spring 2016 | Connie Weiss |
Fall 2015 | Eddie Davis |
Spring 2015 | Jennifer Sarracino |
Fall 2014 | Ryck Klecak |
Spring 2014 | Glenn Barber |
Fall 2013 | Debby Waugh |
Spring 2013 | Lynne Brasher |
Fall 2012 | Scott Holly |
Spring 2012 | Nancy Goins |
Fall 2011 | Maggie Sherwood |
Spring 2011 | Diane Travers Shipman |
Fall 2010 | Kristin Gramando |
Spring 2010 | Jeannie Enders |
Fall 2009 | Marc Dratch |
Spring 2009 | Mike Kaml |
Fall 2008 | Emi Bauer |
Spring 2008 | Susan Ball |
Fall 2007 | Judy Norris |
Spring 2007 | Steve Broe |
Mike DiCerbo Excellence in Mentoring Award commemorates the service and dedication of District 3’s longest serving Youth Leadership Chair. Mike DiCerbo served as the Youth Leadership Chair for over 25 years and once estimated that he had mentored and coached over 10,000 students in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area.
Year | Awardee |
2021-2022 | Jim Davis |
2020-2021 | Nancy Starr-Cassidy |
2019-2020 | Tim Swearingen |
2018-2019 | Curtis Henson |
2017-2018 | Hallie Adams |
Posthumously | Nancy Goins |
District Service Awards
This set of awards recognizes the outstanding service of district leaders.
2019-2020Nancy Duckett, DTMClub Extension
Year | Awardee | Position |
---|---|---|
2021-2022 | Wendy Durfee, DTM | Conference |
2018-2019 | Randy Cazarez, DTM | DCP Chair |
2017-2018 | Stephanie Hoffman | TLI Chair |
2016-2017 | Not Awarded | |
2015-2016 | Madalyn Lockhart | Contest Manager |
2014-2015 | Bob Myers | Club Extension |
2013 | Malcolm High | Dues Renewals |
2012 | Emi Bauer | Club Extension |
2011 | Jeannie Enders | TLI Facilities |
2010 | Cherie Baxley-Gores | Fall & Spring Conference |
2009 | Lynne Brasher | Fall Conference |
2008 | Not Awarded | |
2007 | Nova Hall | Spring Conference |
2006 | Dwayne Roberts | Parliamentarian |
2005 | June Van Valkenburg | Club Coach |
2005 | Laura Smith | Resource Room |
2004 | Laurie Doeing | HPL |
2003 | Kathy Shoemaker | Registrar |
2002 | Not Awarded | |
2001 | Brian Cavanaugh | Newsletter |
2000 | Rick Saxton | Audio-Visual |
1999 | Dwayne Roberts | Parliamentarian |
1998 | Stefan Petra | Sergeant at Arms |
1998 | Judy Norris | TLI |
1997 | Debbie Kattelman | Sergeant at Arms |
1996 | Stefen & Jodie Kay Petra | TLI |
1995 | Dorris Koressel | Telephone Referral |
1994 | Geff Wilson | Club Rescue |
1993 | Nancy Starr | Database & Judges |
1992 | Sylvia Hersch | Sergeant at Arms |
1991 | Mike DiCerbo | Administrative Assistant |
1991 | Art Nieto | Club Extension |
1991 | Joanne Schlosser | Training |
1991 | Bonnie Cline Marcus | Roadrunner Editor |
1990 | Not Awarded | |
1989 | Art Nieto | |
1988 | Joan Makin | |
1987 | Not Awarded | |
1986 | Not Awarded | |
1985 | Not Awarded | |
1984 | Art Nieto | Club Extension |
1984 | Jeff Morud | Roadrunner Editor |
1982 | Mike DiCerbo | |
1982 | John Cash |
Year | Awardees |
---|---|
2022 | Xin Yin, DTM |
2018 | Kristy Hopper, DTM |
2018 | Martha Brock-Leftridge, DTM |
2017 | Jim Davis, Becky Van Fleet, Diane Travers Shipman |
2016 | Not Awarded |
2015 | Mike Jenson, Jeannie Enders, Lynne Brasher, Trish Blackwelder |
2014 | Julia Sayre, Ryck Klecak, Jennifer Saracino, Jeannie Enders |
2013 | Al Gramando, Jim Eng, Debby Waugh, Glenn Barber |
2012 | Tim Swearingen, Jeff Gores, Lynne Brasher, Deanna Dannison |
Year | Awardee |
---|---|
2016 | Enid Moore-Cranshaw |
2013 | Jim Davis |