Sequim resident and Distinguished Toastmaster Lindy MacLaine won the prized Toastmaster of the Year award this year in District 32.

District 32 includes the entire state of Alaska and a portion of western Washington, including the Olympic Peninsula.

This annual prize is nominated by, voted for and awarded to someone in the district each year by fellow Toastmasters.

“To be selected by my peers is a great honor,” MacLaine said in a press release.

“What I’m proudest of is helping the Skwim Toastmasters Club grow this year as Vice President of Membership. While many clubs across the country are struggling, ours has continued to grow and thrive.

“Our membership is currently at 28 people, and includes members from around the world.”

The Skwim club is hybrid: in-person attendees gather at the KSQM 91.5 FM office at 609 W. Washington St. from 7-8:30 p.m. each Tuesday — while virtual attendees tune in from around the globe via Zoom.

One of Skwim Toastmasters’ draws is its creative monthly special event series, members say.

On May 23, the club is hosting the second of three “Champions Coaching Champions’ sessions,” noted club president Terry Barrett.

“Two seasoned speaking champions will coach two of this year’s district speech contest winners live, to support their journey toward the World Championship of Public Speaking,” she said.

Coaches will be MacLaine, the 2020 second runner-up in the World Championship, and guest Nitay-Yair Levi, the 2021 World Championship runner-up. “Coachees” are still being determined, but they will have already won in four levels of competition and will have three more ahead of them.

The event is free, and open to the public both on-line and in-person. Register at skwimccc2.eventbrite.com.

Skwim Toastmasters is part of Toastmasters International, a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that “empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.”

Visit skwimtm.org or facebook.com/SequimToastmasters for more information.