Reading, writing, and arithmetic are often considered the basics of education. But beyond the “three R’s,” Our Lady of Lourdes School, Richmond, has introduced a program to instill the soft skills students will use for a lifetime.
In the Amazing Shake competition, students are scored on their ability to give a firm handshake, make eye contact, and engage in casual conversation with adults. Developed at Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, the program challenges students to complete tasks that require them to think on their feet.
As students went from station to station, they pretended to be a real estate agent selling a home, deliver an impromptu news report, and answer interview questions about traveling to space – among other things. And that was just round one.
Local business, diocesan, and school leaders served as judges, grading the students on their poise, clarity of their speech, and their handshakes.
“It’s a pretty complex concept for kids,” said Bradi Ertel, director of administration at Our Lady of Lourdes. Ertel served as a judge during the opening rounds of the competition.
This is the second year of the Amazing Shake at Our Lady of Lourdes. Last year, only sixth graders participated; this year, participation was required for all sixth and seventh graders.
The 20 students with the highest scores advanced to the second round, held the morning of Jan. 30. This time, their task was simpler, but open-ended: Make small talk with a group of adults. The 10 students with the highest scores then advanced to the third round, a mock job interview. The following day, Jan. 31, the final four students went out for an hourlong lunch with a teacher and two judges.
“These kids are awesome,” said Ertel. “This isn’t just a show for today. So much of the time, they’ll stop in the hall and say hello to someone. It’s exciting to see them taking it to the next level.”
Seventh grader Claire Pritchard made it to the top 10 both this year and last year. “It’s easier to talk to teachers now, because you get a feel of how to talk to adults more, and it’s easier to ask teachers for feedback or notes,” she said.
“Not everyone’s a stranger,” said seventh grader Aiden Denton, who also made the top 10 both years. “I like talking to people – I do it all the time, even when I’m just walking around the mall.”
“It’s a little nerve-wracking, but I practiced the night before,” said Vivaan Parikh, last year’s winner. “You remember the things you learned last year.”
“I do value a good handshake, looking someone in the eye, and confidence is great,” said Ertel. “But interaction is what [the competition] comes down to. You don’t have to have the perfect thing to say, but when you ask me something about myself, it draws me into the conversation.”
Parikh made the final four again this year; the winner was seventh grader Cian Hall. Next year, sixth, seventh and eighth graders will participate.
“We’re gradually growing the program,” said Melanie Reardon, the second grade teacher in charge of Amazing Shake at Our Lady of Lourdes.
“The program’s intent is to broaden their horizons, get them out of their comfort zone, get them at ease in uncomfortable situations,” she said.
“We want to have impressive kids,” Reardon added. “When these kids apply to high school, it’d be nice to have people say, ‘Oh, I know those Our Lady of Lourdes kids – they’re always great.’”