Toastmasters honor Deborah Brown; Helen Coronado-Nolasco wins Young Authors award.

The Distinguished Toastmaster award is the group’s highest honor.

Toastmasters International, a world leader in communication and leadership development, has awarded its highest honor, the Distinguished Toastmaster award, to Rome resident Deborah Brown.

Brown has been a member of the Rome Toastmasters Club for over 10 years and is currently VP of Membership in her club. She has served in the past as her club President, as VP of Education and as an Area Director for TI’s District 44.

The DTM award is given only to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and communication skills and who have used these skills to help others in their self-development. Less than .05 percent of four million past and present Toastmasters members have achieved the elite DTM status.

“Attaining this award is not an easy task,” said Daniel Rex, executive director of Toastmasters International. “The Distinguished Toastmaster designation is bestowed only to those who have proven exceptional mastery of communication and leadership skills and employ these abilities to mentor others in their Toastmaster journey. Deborah Brown has met all of our rigorous requirements,” said Rex.

Deborah received her DTM recognition medal May 5 at a special awards ceremony before more than 300 fellow Toastmasters from around the state during the District 44 Spring Conference at the Atlanta Marriott Alpharetta Hotel.