New Youth Toastmasters group in Aiken prepares for first-ever graduation gala

ERIN WEEKS, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·1 min read

Oct. 26—Bethany Full Gospel Church No. 2 in New Ellenton is preparing to host a graduation gala for its first group of Youth Toastmasters.

Toastmasters is a program that sharpens overall public speaking proficiency through lessons on listening, speech, hand gestures, voice projection and vocabulary. BFGC Pastor Trudy Boyd began the program at her church in August to sharpen her youth group's communication skills.

"I recognized a need and I wanted to get help for our youth. I had to find them some help to build their leadership skills," said Boyd. "That was my heart."

A total of 25 youth participants from BFGC as well as New Life Ministries of Aiken and the Brothers and Sisters of Aiken County have come together to learn and grow through this eight-session program.

Now, the group is approaching their last session, coming up on Oct. 28. Boyd said that much confidence has been built in the participating students and she has watched them change greatly over the course of the program.

"They are soaring like eagles," she said. "I have never seen such a turn-about."

Originally, there were no plans to recommence the program in 2024. However, Boyd has received inquiries from a number of youth and adults who are interested in seeing it continue. Although there are no set plans for next year, Boyd said that its continuation is "very likely."

The graduation gala will be held for program completers on Nov. 4 at the Citizens Park and Community Center. Completers will receive a certificate that will follow them though their academic careers and add something significant to their future resumes.

"This is just them getting started," said Boyd.