Santa Cruz Downtown Toastmasters is celebrating a series of exciting achievements following the recent Toastmasters Division A Speech Contests—alongside a major club milestone: 70 years of helping local residents become confident speakers and leaders.
Marq Lipton, of Aptos, earned first place in the International Speech Contest, triumphing over competitors on April 26 in Salinas from clubs across Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. This contest is the third round in a journey that leads to the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking, to be held in August at the international convention. Lipton will now advance to the District Competition in Sunnyvale this May.
Also making waves was Max Lawrence, of Scotts Valley, who earned second place in the impromptu “Table Topics” contest—an especially impressive feat considering he has been a Toastmasters member for only nine months. His performance underscores how quickly new members can grow and shine in the supportive environment offered by the club.
These victories come just in time for the club’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, taking place on Friday, May 9, at 7:15am during its regular meeting. The community is warmly invited to attend and take part in the celebration, which will include dynamic speeches, highlights from the club’s history and a glimpse into how Toastmasters continues to impact lives today.
Founded in 1955, Santa Cruz Downtown Toastmasters has a long legacy of helping individuals unlock their potential through structured practice in public speaking and leadership. The club is recognized for its welcoming atmosphere, engaging programs and dedication to personal growth.
“We’re thrilled with the recent wins and incredibly proud of our members,” said Ken Braly, club spokesperson. “To see Max achieve so much in under a year, and to watch a seasoned speaker like Marq continue to grow, shows the power of Toastmasters to support people at all stages of their journey.”
Santa Cruz Downtown Toastmasters meets in a hybrid format both online and in person every Friday at 7:15am, and guests are always welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just getting started, there’s a place for everyone to learn and grow.
To learn more, attend a meeting or RSVP for the anniversary event, visit santacruzdowntowntoastmasters.org.
