Cory Straub of Elk County Toastmasters has been awarded the Toastmasters International Advanced Communicator Silver Award.
Straub has given numerous speeches over his 27-year tenure with the club, but his latest speech marked his 40th documented with the Elk County Club.
He is officially Elk County Toastmasters’ most highly decorated member. Jeff Yetzer, current president, stated, “He is not only our most polished communicator, but he [also] is our most selfless member.”
He focuses most on the advancement of others within the club. He takes a back seat in order to grant opportunity to less senior members. He is my mentor. He is a mentor of mentors.”
Straub began his tenure almost three decades ago. He made a promise to Elk County Toastmasters’ inspirational founder, Earl Buchheit, that he would keep the club alive after he passed away.
He has kept that promise and is known by fellow members as “The Backbone” of Elk County Toastmasters. He has been described as “St. Marys stalwart member.”
Last year, Straub was awarded the first-ever Elk County Toastmasters Earl Buchheit Award. He was selected by his peers as the member that most reflected the courageous and selfless spirit of the late Distinguished Toastmaster and club founder, Earl Buchheit.
Elk County Toastmasters meets at 7:15 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month, at the Shiloh Presbyterian Church Education Center on Washington Street in St. Marys. Visitors are welcome and are encouraged to attend.
