Matt Gilroy, director of strategic initiatives for Findlay-Hancock Economic Development, chats with a 4th-grade student during the Amazing Shake. In the photo below, Ashley Stepec-Bibler, workforce program specialist for Raise the Bar Hancock County, shares a laugh with a student during the competition that challenges professional aptitude.
4th-Graders Show Off Astounding Soft Skills During the Amazing Shake
By Sarah Mayle
The kids had arrived, and the judges took their seats around a large square table inside Millstream Career Center’s Café, readying themselves for conversation. It was noticeably quiet as 10 sharply dressed 4th graders filed inside. Yet almost instantly – the entire room erupted into greetings and chatter.
They didn’t miss a beat – and Round 3 of the Amazing Shake had begun.
“I am always impressed with the students who are involved in the Amazing Shake, how well they communicate with adults, how prepared they are in the processes, and how seriously they take the program,” said Matt Gilroy, director of strategic initiatives for Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development, who served as a judge for Round 3. “Employers have challenged educational organizations by stating that soft skills have been lacking from recent graduates. This program is an answer to that challenge – I think all schools should do this.”
The Amazing Shake is an annual contest through the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Ga., designed to teach students manners, discipline, respect, and how to conduct themselves in a professional environment. The kids learn the importance of eye contact, the mechanics of a proper handshake, and how to “work the room,” all essential skills to succeed in the future workforce. They become exposed to networks, roles, opportunities, and learn about career paths.
This was Liberty-Benton Elementary’s Round 3, which took place on Feb. 10. Twenty students remained from an original 130. There were two sessions of 10 students who visited Millstream for breakfast that day.
Members of Raise the Bar Hancock County’s Board of Directors were the judges for the round, representing an organization focused on workforce. Raise the Bar’s (RTB) mission is, “Connecting stakeholders to advance workforce excellence,” and its leaders collaborate with local school districts, higher education, Millstream, local manufacturers, health care, businesses, policy makers, and social service providers to open lines of communication and work together. The goal is to ensure a strong talent pipeline for the future.
“The kids were supposed to have questions ready for each of us judges,” said Tricia Valasek, executive director of RTB. “They were to be able to identify each person in the room. We’ve had kids and parents stopping in to our office to get information. They are extremely thorough – so much so that we even realized we needed to update a few items on our website. We are very supportive of this program and the essential skills it develops in these kids, the leaders of our future workforce.”
As they make their way through the rounds of the competition, kids are placed in a whirlwind of scenarios that challenge poise and professional aptitude. The contestants of Round 3 had already shown resiliency, prevailing through the earlier rounds. In Round 1, contestants must carry out a one-on-one conversation with a judge. Next, the student visits with two judges, which tests the ability to keep both people engaged in a conversation.
Round 2 is called The Gauntlet. Students must maneuver through stations in the gym, talking their way through events like, graciously receiving a terrible gift; giving an acceptance speech for an award; talking to a reporter; and meeting someone on a plane and chatting amid frequent interruption.
Jeanine Baker, a 4th grade teacher at Liberty-Benton Elementary, organizes the competition for her school. She has led the Amazing Shake for 13 years and can’t say enough positive things about what it does for the kids.
“This program really pushes them, but it teaches them not to be afraid – that being assertive is good,” Baker said, looking over the room of lively conversationalists. “Leadership can be so many different things, and it’s not always what people think. It’s not just about standing in front of a podium; it can be the quietest person in the room who knows what to say and when to say it. Discomfort is good – that’s where you grow.”
Only five students will be chosen by the judges to move on to Round 4, when the kids will tackle a job interview to work at Chick-fil-A. Three will be selected from the interview to go on to work at the restaurant in late February – Round 5. At Chick-fil-A, the kids will first be trained, then will work 20 or 30 minutes in three different roles – drive thru, dining room and register. They’ll also get a break for a free meal.
“It’s not about doing it perfectly,” Baker said. “It’s, ‘Who is coachable? If someone makes a mistake, how do they recover from it?’ They can make many mistakes while they’re doing this – that doesn’t mean they lose.”
Jeanine Baker, organizer of the Amazing Shake and a teacher at Liberty-Benton Elementary stands with LB Elementary Principal Brian Burkett. They are proud of their 4th graders and the incredible growth they show during the Amazing Shake.
“It’s a challenging program, but these kids rise – everyone can learn the skills of making eye contact, listening, and having a good handshake,” he said. “It’s part of being human, and every kid has the ability to do that. The soft skills these kids possess is crazy – I’m so proud of them.”
It’s important, Burkett said, that kids understand that success isn’t just about money. Not only that, but success isn’t like buying a lottery ticket and hitting the jackpot.
“Success doesn’t come on its own – you have to work for it. These kids have learned that.”
The winner of LB’s 2026 Amazing Shake will be flown to contend at the national competition at the Ron Clark Academy from March 27-29.
RTB board members were very impressed with the students. Many remarked that it would be extremely difficult to narrow those moving on to five students.
