Toastmasters Shaw Afterburners - Sumter

06/10/2026

Letter written by Sumter Mayor David P. Merchant, honoring Douglas Wilson to his only son, Ryan our Sumter-Area Toastmasters brother.

05/08/2026

We had a wonderful celebration of life for our dear friend and mentor Douglas Wilson.

All those that could attend delighted in sharing their stores and memories of such a wonderful man. If you have any memories we’d love for ooh to drop them below!

Please continue to keep his son Ryan in your thoughts.

RIP friend.

04/24/2026

Please join me in wishing our club president and fearless leader Sybil Davis-Highdale a very happy birthday 🎂

May your day be as wonderful as you!

The Shaw Afterburners Family

04/22/2026

** Please Read **

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr Douglas Wilson.

Douglas Wilson was one of two founding members of Shaw Afterburners. He has been the backbone of our small and mighty club since it was chartered back in 2005.

Not only was he a pivotal member of our club, he played a crucial role in many other clubs over the years. He was still an active member and leader in multiple clubs, showing just how much passion he had for Toastmasters.

Not just a wonderful orator, above all else he was a mentor to many. Sharing his many words of wisdom, his years of experience and a helping hand to anyone who needed it.

From District to Club level, the impact Douglas has made upon the Toastmasters Organization and its members goes beyond what we can put into words. What Douglas did not know about Toastmasters’s was probably not worth knowing.

Modest to the end, some of his greatest accomplishments include:
~ Toastmaster of the Year
~ Curtis Yant Outstanding Mentor
~ Runner up in Toastmasters World Champion in Public Speaking
~ Past District Governor
~ District Parliamentarian
~ Pathways Ambassador

But his greatest accomplishment will always be
~ Friend and mentor

Our thoughts are with his son Ryan, who lost his mom and beloved Toastmaster JoAnn Wilson last year, and now his father.

Shaw Afterburners will not have an event this Thursday while we pay our respects and collect our thoughts.

Douglas (never Doug) Wilson, the man of many hats and dear friend; you are sorely missed.

~ Shaw Afterburners

04/21/2026

Douglas Wilson, our hearts are heavy today.

04/21/2026

YOU WILL BE MISSED!

03/19/2026

Did you miss our GRANDIOSE event? Here's the wrap up.

Can you make it in real time next week? We'd love to have you!

03/12/2026

Did you miss today's event? Here's a quick round up of today's eventful event!

Want MORE than just a highlight reel? Be our honored guest at our next event, it's free!

03/05/2026

Did you miss today's event? It was a DOOZY!

We were celebrating International Women's Day and Month with some insightful table topic questions and a powerful speech by Carolet - reminding us that we are here or a reason! And we are our own trailblazer. Well done Carolet!

03/04/2026

Congratulations to our very own Aileen Hill on her first place speech!

And congratulations to all the other contestants. Just by competing, you’re already a better speaker! Well done!

Congratulations to the Area 23 International Speech Contest winners! 1st Place - Aileen Hill 2nd Place - Sushmitha Kandukuri