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The Amazing Shake competition has concluded for the 24-25 school year. The competition started with 40 students from Eastside John P. Powell STEAM Magnet School and W.F. Burns Middle School. During the first round, the 40 contestants participated in screening interviews with 3 separate judges. Only 20 students were able to move on from that round.

The Amazing Shake is a competition that places an emphasis on teaching students manners, discipline, respect, and professional conduct.

Students learn the nuances or variations of professional human interaction as they are taught skills such as how to give a proper handshake, how to “work a room,” how to give a successful interview, and how to remain composed under pressure. The goal is to prepare our students so that they can present themselves exceptionally well for opportunities today as well as those that will come in the future.

The Amazing Shake Competition originated at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. The students were scored on their conversation skills, charisma, and their personal introductions to the judges.

The second round placed the 20 contestants in pairs to debate on a topic related to education. Students had to research their assigned topic and create an opening statement, rebuttal, and closing statement. They were also asked questions by judges about their topics. The debates took place at Langdale Auditorium, and 10 students moved on to the third round.

The third round took place in the W.F. Burns Library. The 10 contestants enjoyed a catered lunch with judges to discuss our local community. The meal was provided by Representative Debbie Wood, Terri’s Mill Village Cafe, and Guthrie’s Chicken. The top five finalists were chosen after the meal to move on to the fourth and final round of the contest. The final group of students in the competition started out with more than 40 of their peers from across the district whom all aspired to win this year’s competition for the Amazing Shake.

The fourth round of competition concluded last week when the five finalists participated in interviews at the Chambers County Board of Education. The students were interviewed by Assistant Superintendent, Mr. David Owen, K-8 Curriculum Director, Dr. Sheila Jones, and District Testing Coordinator, Mrs. Fran Groover.

The winners of this year’s competition are Kipton Hunter (1st place), Annaleigha Tullock (2nd place), and Ada Yarbrough (3rd place) from W.F. Burns Middle School. These three students will be recognized at the December 18th Chambers County Board of Education meeting. Furthermore, the top students will have the opportunity to intern with State Representative Debbie Wood during the upcoming state legislative session planned for the spring of 2025.

Chambers County would like to extend a special thank you to all of the judges who volunteered their time this year, as well as Representative Wood for sponsoring round three, and San Marcos Authentic Mexican Restaurant for sponsoring lunch for the finalists after their interviews. Also, special thanks to W.F. Burns Science teacher, Mrs. Sarah Maddux for coordinating this district-wide competition for students.