Page 34 - voicesdec2014
P. 34
Gift of Young Voices
By Sharon Kuroda, DTM
The Youth Leadership Program has been enriching and fulfilling, not
only for the students, but also to me.
Across a packed roomful of Boy Scout leaders, I saw a proud young
high school Boy Scout Venturer, speak to all of us leaders of her
experiences at a National Venturing event. Her voice echoed
throughout the room, quaking with pride. All eyes were on her as
she spoke of her experiences, her gratitude to the BSA overflowing.
This was a crystal clear example to me that rang true to my heart.
This was the very reason why I have been with the Boy Scouts for 29
wonderful years. We had presented opportunities and programs for
her to develop leadership and self-confidence.
Etched forever in my memory is Bobby, speaking at his Eagle
Court of Honor as he thanked those adults who had helped him
on his Eagle Trail. Not a dry eye was left in the room as he told
of his difficulties with learning, of how these particular adults,
his scoutmaster and two of his public school teachers, had never
lost faith in him. He had been teased by many of his classmates.
Even many of his teachers, he felt, had considered him to be
capable of little success, putting him in special classes. Yet, here
he was, an Eagle Scout! Yes, speaking skills has a firm and
important place in the repertoire of youth. We, as Toastmasters,
can help with that.
A few years ago, Ellen Miyo Ino, Rose Robison, Jim Robison, Tom
Karwaki, and I conducted a Youth Leadership program to eighth
graders at Holy Cross School in NE Portland. It was unbelievable
the amount of growth in speaking and in confidence that had
taken place during our time with them! The students just
beamed as they spoke from the podium on their final day. Now
that was truly gratifying!
Columbian Toastmasters in St. Helens, Oregon, has conducted Youth Leadership Programs at
Scappoose High School for several years now. Our work then and their work now continues to be
highly valued by the school.
Toastmasters can explore the wealth of opportunities in working with youth in our community. Youth
can be fostered to be future members in our organization. There are many schools, many teachers,
and groups that we might reach. I encourage Toastmasters to go forward, to seek them out! Great
things can happen!
Sharon Kuroda, DTM first joined Toastmasters in 2005, and is a member of Early Words Toastmasters in Longview, Washington.
She has served District 7 and her club in multiple roles. She is a District Executive at Boy Scouts of America, Cascade Pacific Council
34
By Sharon Kuroda, DTM
The Youth Leadership Program has been enriching and fulfilling, not
only for the students, but also to me.
Across a packed roomful of Boy Scout leaders, I saw a proud young
high school Boy Scout Venturer, speak to all of us leaders of her
experiences at a National Venturing event. Her voice echoed
throughout the room, quaking with pride. All eyes were on her as
she spoke of her experiences, her gratitude to the BSA overflowing.
This was a crystal clear example to me that rang true to my heart.
This was the very reason why I have been with the Boy Scouts for 29
wonderful years. We had presented opportunities and programs for
her to develop leadership and self-confidence.
Etched forever in my memory is Bobby, speaking at his Eagle
Court of Honor as he thanked those adults who had helped him
on his Eagle Trail. Not a dry eye was left in the room as he told
of his difficulties with learning, of how these particular adults,
his scoutmaster and two of his public school teachers, had never
lost faith in him. He had been teased by many of his classmates.
Even many of his teachers, he felt, had considered him to be
capable of little success, putting him in special classes. Yet, here
he was, an Eagle Scout! Yes, speaking skills has a firm and
important place in the repertoire of youth. We, as Toastmasters,
can help with that.
A few years ago, Ellen Miyo Ino, Rose Robison, Jim Robison, Tom
Karwaki, and I conducted a Youth Leadership program to eighth
graders at Holy Cross School in NE Portland. It was unbelievable
the amount of growth in speaking and in confidence that had
taken place during our time with them! The students just
beamed as they spoke from the podium on their final day. Now
that was truly gratifying!
Columbian Toastmasters in St. Helens, Oregon, has conducted Youth Leadership Programs at
Scappoose High School for several years now. Our work then and their work now continues to be
highly valued by the school.
Toastmasters can explore the wealth of opportunities in working with youth in our community. Youth
can be fostered to be future members in our organization. There are many schools, many teachers,
and groups that we might reach. I encourage Toastmasters to go forward, to seek them out! Great
things can happen!
Sharon Kuroda, DTM first joined Toastmasters in 2005, and is a member of Early Words Toastmasters in Longview, Washington.
She has served District 7 and her club in multiple roles. She is a District Executive at Boy Scouts of America, Cascade Pacific Council
34
