Hoover students showcase leadership in 'The Great Shake' competition
This week, Deer Valley Elementary School in Hoover hosted "The Great Shake," a competition where fourth- and fifth-grade students test their professional skills.
Nicole Stokes, the principal at Deer Valley, said the competition is inspired by a program at The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta.
"It's an opportunity for students to engage with community members and to showcase their leadership skills," Stokes said.
>> A MOMENT OF JOY: News We Love
Students are judged on their ability to work a room, remain calm under pressure, and give a proper handshake.
"That's not going away. You know, we're still going to have to meet people face to face," Cyndi Hodges, president of the Hoover Parent Teacher Council, said. "You're still going to have to have interactions. And handshakes is what starts it all in the professional world a lot of time. So, I'm glad that we're teaching that here at Deer Valley."
The competition consists of three rounds, each with a series of challenges. Students are scored on their performance, confidence, eye contact, engagement, and ability to open and close a conversation.
>> COMING TOGETHER: Project CommUNITY
"We put emphasis on communication skills, professional speaking, manners, etiquette. But we also are trying to instill confidence and making sure these kids are able to think on their feet," Hodges said.
The event begins with 160 students, narrowing down to 60 after the first round, then a top 10, and finally one winner.
Sloane Halsey, a fifth-grader at Deer Valley, won last year's competition.
"I think the key to winning is just having a lot of passion, and, not like doubting yourself. Because throughout the rounds, I was, like, always really enthusiastic, and I felt good about my responses," Halsey said.
>> FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: | | |
Regardless of the winner, the goal of "The Great Shake" is for all students to develop skills that will benefit them in the future.
"What we hope is that when students reflect back on their time at Deer Valley, they realize that their leadership skills started here. And it starts by engaging with those that they may not have ever had the opportunity to engage with, and have those conversations that will hopefully kind of propel them into opportunities outside of the school," Stokes said.
Deer Valley started "The Great Shake" competition in 2018. This year's winner was Marin Holden, first runner-up was Kelsey Lawhorn and second runner-up was Wyatt Burleson.
