Lakeside Elementary buzzed with excitement this past week as students took part in the school’s annual Amazing Shake Competition, an event designed to teach and celebrate essential interpersonal skills.
The competition put students through a friendly series of evaluations focused on three core areas: handshakes, eye contact, and conversational ability. Participants practiced delivering confident handshakes, maintaining respectful eye contact, and engaging in clear, polite conversation — skills teachers say are important both inside and outside the classroom.
Community volunteers played a central role in the event, donating their time to judge the students and provide constructive feedback. Organizers praised the volunteers for helping create a supportive environment where students could build confidence and receive real-world guidance.
“Events like this give students an early opportunity to practice the social skills they'll use throughout life,” said a school spokesperson. “We’re grateful to our community members who helped make it possible.”
Students left the Amazing Shake with new confidence and practical tips they can apply in school presentations, interviews, and everyday interactions. The school plans to continue the competition with our 4th through 6th graders this month.