To New Beginnings: closing a Smedley Distinguished year

ELIO closed the 2025–2026 Toastmasters year with a Presidential farewell, a second consecutive Smedley Distinguished Club award, and an AI masterclass.

ELIO’s final meeting of the 2025–2026 Toastmasters year was a fitting close to a strong year, led by Toastmaster of the Day and outgoing President Sewin Sungkur under the theme "To New Beginnings." President Sewin thanked members for a year of support, presenting tokens of appreciation to the club’s officers, Division Director-Elect Hannah F. Toofanee, Assistant Division Director-Elect Sham, and DTM Jeeana for their guidance throughout the year.

The highlight of the session was the presentation of the club’s achievements: ELIO was recognised as a Smedley Distinguished Club for the second consecutive year, a result of sustained commitment across the membership.

Prepared speeches came from Dushali, Ibra, Melodia, and Ridhwaan, with Dushali earning Best Speaker while completing Level 1 of her path. Evaluators Zayyaan, Jess, Hannah, and Shazia gave the room sharp, constructive feedback, and Hannah was voted Best Evaluator. Members also heard a masterclass from Dr. Ismael Essackjee on the use of artificial intelligence in public speaking — a reminder that technology can sharpen communication, but the human touch remains irreplaceable.

Several members stepped into new roles for the first time: Faeeza took on Timer, Mareesha served as Grammarian, Ravina as Ah-Counter, and Nikhil as General Evaluator. As one Toastmasters year closed, ELIO looked ahead to 2026–2027 with its awards, its growth, and the leadership every member showed along the way.