“Kids” and “professionalism” may seem like opposing ideas. But at CHCA’s Armleder Campus, the two collided in a high-energy display of character and confidence during the school’s second annual Amazing Shake.  

A nationally recognized professional development competition created by the Ron Clark Academy, a highly respected nonprofit middle school in Atlanta, GA, the Amazing Shake challenges students to put their professional skills on display as they compete in a series of fast-paced social scenarios.  

Held from January 28–29, Armleder’s second annual Amazing Shake was as lively as the first, as 42 Upper Elementary students navigated new and familiar challenges alongside their peers. Four rounds of intense competition challenged students to think critically, demonstrate flexibility, and maintain composure under pressure.  

“The Amazing Shake requires students to step out of their comfort zones and engage in challenges that many adults would struggle with,” says Armleder Principal Cammie Montgomery. “The students grow through the process.” 

This year’s competition commenced with a “trip” to the Big Apple, each of the 16 stations in Round 1 correlating with a part of the competitor’s journey from Cincinnati to New York City. From navigating airport security to checking in at a hotel, visiting Times Square, and attending an audition, students were tasked with impressing volunteers with their charisma and poise in unexpected situations—like receiving the wrong drink order. 

Successive rounds mirrored last year’s competition in form, with the final five competitors embarking on a one-on-one lunch interview with a business professional at a local restaurant.  

In the end, fourth grader Jordan Mills rose above and was named the Amazing Shake champion. Last year’s champion, Brooklyn Hudson, presented the trophy. 

Though the second year for current fifth and sixth graders to compete, the Amazing Shake didn’t lose its luster. In fact, the return of the competition seemed only to encourage students to work that much harder in the weeks leading up to the big day. Integrated into the Upper Elementary rhythm at Armleder were opportunities for students to practice their handshakes, conversation starters, and more. 

While students are excited by the prospect of winning the ultimate business bragging rights, Principal Montgomery notes that the Amazing Shake unifies students under a communal desire to see each other succeed. 

“The students show an amazing amount of support for their classmates through the process,” she says. “Students can always be seen cheering on their classmates as they prepare for the next round of competition or consoling students who didn’t make it. The competition is fierce, but the comradery amongst the competitors is fiercer.”