HISTORY OF DISTRICT 68
History Of District 68
(Submitted, in part, by 2009-2010 District Governor, Darryl Hall, DTM)
District 68 was formed on July 1, 1963 with Ed Champagne of New Orleans serving as it’s first District Governor from July 1, 1963 to June 30, 1964. Prior to this time, District 68 had actually been a part of District 29. In it’s relatively short life, District 68 has had an outstanding history of Toastmaster District accomplishments.
Participation and enthusiasm were lacking in the early years with club formation fluctuating and averaging in the lower twenties. By 1978, there were only eighteen clubs in the District and Toastmasters International issued an ultimatum. District 68 officers were told rebuilding the District would have to be done in within two years or our District would be combined with another District.
The fire was lit and our District officers accepted the challenge! This resulted in a turnaround and accomplishments that had probably never been witnessed before within Toastmasters. It started with Dr. Elmer Wagner, ATM in 1978-1979 when Dr. Wagner led our District to “Presidential Distinguished District.” This accomplishment was followed by a Select Distinguished District rating led by Harold Parker, DTM in 1979-1980,
In 1980-1981, Dr. James Garber, DTM brought the District back to “President’s Distinguished District” immediately followed by Richard Welch, DTM with another “President’s Distinguished District” in 1981-1982.
In 1982-1983, led by Gene Reyes, DTM, District 68 again obtained ‘President’s Distinguished District.” This meant that in a five-year period, District 68 produced “four President’s Distinguished Districts. – 1978-1979, 1980-1981” and 1981-82 resulted in ranking of #1 in the world, 1982-1983 ranking of #2 and in 1979-80 a #7 world ranking. These years set the benchmarks for following administrations in goal setting.
Pauline Harvey DTM continued the tradition of “President’s Distinguished District” in 1990-1991. In 1997 Grant Burgess, DTM accepted the challenge once again and led District 68 to another “President’s Distinguished District” for the 1997-1998 term. The 1998-1999 team led by Ann Campbell, DTM, repeated the performance once again making District 68 “President’s Distinguished District” for Back-to-Back recognition as a “President’s Distinguished District”.
In 1987-88, Sammie Mackenzie, DTM accomplished a Select Distinguished District rating and Jerry Lauzon,, DTM 1986-87, Darrell Andrist, DTM 1988-89, John Haley DTM 1991-92 and Carolyn Sanders, DTM 1993-94 all achieved “Distinguished District” status.
District 68 hosted the Region VIII conference in 1982 and 1983. District 68 was the ‘Host District” for the 1976 and 1997 International Conventions. Once again in 1997-1998 the team led by Chairman and PDG Harold Parker, DTM produced one of the finest International Conventions ever held, while District Governor Grant Burgess DTM managed to lead our District to the top District award. According to Toastmasters International, this is an accomplishment never before achieved in Toastmaster’s history and all of our members are proud of this very special accomplishment.
In 1998-1999, Ann Campbell led our district back to where it loves to be, “President’s Distinguished District”, and then in 2000-2001, Gene Reyes guided District 68 to a ranking of “Select Distinguished District”. Carolyn Nix (2001-2002, accomplished a return to “Distinguished District” status.
Succeeding District Governors have been; Jim Chandler (2002-2003), and Bob Donlon (2003-2004), Randy Conley, DTM 2004-2005, Heather Doucet, DTM, 2005-2006, and David Breaux, DTM 2006-2007.
2007 – 2008 District Governor Tony Moreno, ACS, CL identified and planned for the needs to once again become a Distinguished. He and his team succeeded in this effort! The rebuilding effort on the part of the team and the resurrection of members who were displaced during Katrina helped with this year-long effort.
2008 – 2009 District Governor Frances Morrison, DTM wanted everyone to “Catch the Vision!” of Toastmasters and spread to everyone they knew. 5 new clubs were added thanks to some very dedicated members and new comers alike. While our educational goals were met, we did not excel as we usually do in this effort. Getting new members to complete their CC manual was identified as part of the issue. Also few members completed their CL manual. District 68 was a Distinguished District for the 2008 – 2009 year.
2009 – 2010 District Governor Darryl Hall, ACS, CL has “Striving for Excellence” as his theme to carry the district forward with a call to action. If we each strive for excellence then this district will surely be distinguished or better!
2010-2011- District Governor Jeff Harris, COMING SOON!!
2011-2012 District Governor Kimberly Boyd, DTM
Although Toastmasters International asked the district’s to not have individual themes, there were two items that became the focus for District 68 for the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 years. We wanted to see the needs of our members met by having engaged members and healthy clubs and to have an impact on those with whom we have contact so our mantra was to Remember the Member and to Leave a Legacy.
Succeeding District Governors have been; Jim Chandler (2002-2003), and Bob Donlon (2003-2004), Randy Conley, DTM 2004-2005, Heather Doucet, DTM, 2005-2006, and David Breaux, DTM 2006-2007.
The leadership also set in motion new items this year that were well received and strengthened the foundation for the future success of the district:
The number of Toastmaster Leadership Institute (TLI) offerings for training of club officers were increased from one to two during each training cycle.
A new event called TLC w/BLT was offered to give club presidents an opportunity to meet with the District Trio to have a meal, discuss successes or concerns and address questions in a non-formal environment. This event also allowed for a fun event where the club leader could learn more about other club and district leaders on a personal level.
Conference attendance was increased due to the offering of online registration to attend the district conferences. Also, the district is back on track of scheduling and announcing the upcoming district conferences at least one year in advance. The district is continuing in its pursuit to have the conference scheduled and announced even further in advance.
The new district website was constructed and unveiled. Ankita Choudhary is the new webmaster for the new district web site and we encourage the members to take advantage and make suggestions. We would like to thank Jim Chandler who served as the district webmaster and maintained a district website for many, many years. His dedication and commitment to the district is to be commended and we are grateful for his guidance and continued service to the new webmaster.
Conference Awards
2019-2020
Toastmaster of the Year – Richard Wolfe
2019-2020
Division DIrector of the Year – Larrysa McAllister
2019-2020
Area Director of the Year – Ryan Estaris
2019-2020
DEC Member of the Year – Tabitha Grimes
2018-2019
Toastmaster of the Year – Rebecca Arnett
2018-2019
Division Director of the Year – Vanessa Chatelain
2018-2019
Area Director of the Year – Eddie LeBoeuf, III
2018-2019
DEC Member of the Year – Mike McHugh
2017-2018
Toastmaster of the Year – Kimberly Boyd
2017-2018
Division Director of the Year – Chic Miller
2017-2018
Area Director of the Year – Shirley Burch
2017-2018
DEC Member of the Year – Tina Guillot
2016-2017
Toastmaster of the Year – Greg Kitchen
2016-2017
Division Director of the Year – Annie Svaty
2016-2017
Area Director of the Year – Katie Rigsby
2016-2017
DEC Member of the Year – Sara Johansen
2015-2016
Toastmaster of the Year – Jim Chandler, Sr.
2015-2016
Toastmaster of the Year – Jim Chandler, Sr.
2015-2016
Area Director of the Year – Sara Johansen
2015-2016
DEC Member of the Year – Ana Veal
2014-2015
Toastmaster of the Year – Tina Guillot
2014-2015
Division Governor of the Year – Greg Kitchen
2014-2015
Area Governor of the Year – Kristi Folse
2014-2015
DEC Member of the Year – Ryan Schexnayder
2013-2014
Toastmaster of the Year – Jeff Harris
2013-2014
Division Governor of the Year – Stacy Vicknair
2013-2014
Area Governor of the Year – Greg Kitchen
2013-2014
DEC Member of the Year – Martha Whelan
2012-2013
Toastmaster of the Year – Tina Thomas
2012-2013
Division Governor of the Year – Tina Guillot
2012-2013
Area Governor of the Year – Rebecca Arnett
2011-2012
Toastmaster of the Year – Ankita Choudhary
2011-2012
Division Governor of the Year – Steve Grenchik
2011-2012
Area Governor of the Year – Tina Guillot
2010-2011
Toastmaster of the Year – Jeanette Donlon
2010-2011
Division Governor of the Year – Raul Otero
2010-2011
Area Governor of the Year – Dave Reid
2009-2010
Toastmaster of the Year – Frank Parks
2009-2010
Area Governor of the Year – Raul Otero
2008-2009
Toastmaster of the Year – David Breaux
2008-2009
Division Governor of the Year – Andrew Hundley
2007-2008
Toastmaster of the Year – Andrew Hundley
2006-2007
Toastmaster of the Year – Randy Conley
2005-2006
Toastmaster of the Year – Glenda Parks
2005-2006
Division Governor of the Year – Frances Morrison
2004-2005
Toastmaster of the Year – Frances Morrison
2004-2005
Division Governor of the Year – Marie Clesi
2004-2005
Area Governor of the Year – Frank Parks
2003-2004
Toastmaster of the Year – Carolyn Nix
2003-2004
Division Governor of the Year – David Breaux
2000-2001
Toastmaster of the Year – Jim Chandler, Sr.
1987-1988
Toastmaster of the Year – Bobby Donlon
1985-1986
Toastmaster of the Year – Gene Reyes
1984-1985
Division Governor of the Year – Gene Reyes
1983-1984
– Area Governor of the Year – Gene Reyes
Toastmasters International Presidential Citation Winners from District 68
To access a list of all of the Presidential Citation winners, click the link below:
Gene Reyes
DTM – 2020
Tina Guillot
DTM – 2019
Jeff Harris
DTM – 2016
Joan Turner
DTM – 2007
George Scott
DTM, PID – 2006
James A. Chandler
DTM – 2006
Sammie A. McKenzie
DTM – 1993
Harold Parker
DTM – 1983
Birney Pease
1980
Moses E. Brenner
1976
District Trios History
District Trio 2020-2021
District Director
Chic Miller
Program Quality Director
Shirley Burch
Club Growth Director
Vanessa Chatelain
District Trio 2019-2020
District Director
Joel Dawson
Program Quality Director
Chic Miller
Club Growth Director
Shirley Burch
District Trio 2018-2019
District Director
Katie Rigsby
Program Quality Director
Joel Dawson
Club Growth Director
Chic Miller
District Trio 2017-2018
District Director
Mohamad Qayoom
Program Quality Director
Annie Svaty
Club Growth Director
Katie Rigsby
District Trio 2016-2017
District Director
Tina Guillot
Program Quality Director
Mohamad Qayoom
Club Growth Director
Joel Dawson
District Trio 2015-2016
District Director
Rebecca Arnett
Program Quality Director
Adelyn Ortlieb
Club Growth Director
Kristi Folse
District Trio 2014-2015
District Governor
Philip Varona
Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training
Rebecca Arnett
Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
Stacy Vicknair
District Trio 2013-2014
District Governor
Bryan Jolley
Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training
Philip Varona
Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
Rebecca Arnett
District Trio 2010-2011
District Governor
Jeff Harris
Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training
Charlene Desplas
Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
Kimberly Boyd
District Trio 2009-2010
District Governor
Darryl Hall
Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training
Jeff Harris
Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
Charlene Desplas
District Trio 2008-2009
District Governor
Frances Morrison
Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training
Darryl Hall
Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
Jeff Harris
District Trio 2007-2008
District Governor
Anthony Castillo Moreno
Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training
Frances Morrison
Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
Darryl Hall
District Trio 2006-2007
District Governor
David Breaux
Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training
Anthony Castillo Moreno
Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
Frances Morrison
District Trio 2005-2006
District Governor
Heather Doucet
Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training
David Breaux
Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
Anthony Castillo Moreno
District Trio 2004-2005
District Governor
Randy Conley
Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training
Heather Doucet
Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
David Breaux
District Trio 2003-2004
District Governor
Bob Donlon
Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training
Randy Conley
Lieutenant Governor of Marketing
John Hodges
District Governors Prior to 2003
James Chandler
2002-2003
Carolyn Nix
2001-2002
Eugene Reyes
2000-2001
Ron Brown
1999-2000
Ann Campbell
1998-1999
Grant Burgess
1997-1998
Joan Turner
1996-1997
Noah Lewis
1995-1996
Carolyn Motl
1994-1995
John Haley
1991-1992