McClure Brings Home the Gold--Twice!

(L-R) Kauai President Donna Olivas-Kaohi, Moksha McClure, Toastmasters District Governor Anne Myers

Kauai Community College sophomore Moksha McClure won first place and brought home the gold for her speech evaluation skills at a recent Toastmasters Area speech competition on Oahu. The following day, McClure placed first again for her poem at a Rotary District Conference. McClure credits Kauai Toastmasters, Professor Brian Cronwall, and Speech 251 taught by Professor Sharon Milan for her success.

McClure learned she would be competing at the last minute. After sharing this with Milan, she received numerous opportunities to hone her speaking skills. "Professor Milan and my speech class have been nothing but supportive. If it weren't for them I would have little opportunity to practice," McClure says.

Kauai Toastmasters sponsored her trip to Oahu and Kauai President Donna Olivas-Kaohi, also a KCC student, flew over in support. McClure notes that the group is like an 'ohana to her.

McClure was mentored by published poet Professor Cronwall for two semesters in an individualized study class. "Although he was helping me write a nonfiction book, I think some of his 'poetness' must have rubbed off," McClure quips.

McClure says the only downfall of winning is being expected to compete in the next level of competition. "Just thinking about it makes me ill," McClure says.

McClure wants to get her Bachelor's in Communications/Public Policy. She is the founder of Whiskers Resort, a pet hotel in Lihue. McClure says her specialty is animal communication.

Posted by:
Sharon Milan