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At the Irish Gifted Academy, academic excellence is just one part of the learning experience. Our educators also focus on manners, discipline, respect, and professionalism - ensuring our students are prepared for success beyond the classroom. To put these essential skills to the test, IGA 4th-8th Graders participated in a fun and challenging event—The Amazing Shake!

“I performed in several challenges that tied back to completing skills we’ll need for the rest of our lives. The Amazing Shake helps prepare us for our futures,” shared 6th Grader Desley Walker. Her favorite challenge was the teleprompter station, where she had to keep up with the fast-paced script while paper blew in her face—a true test of focus and composure!

For 4th grader Thomas Jones, today marked his first Amazing Shake experience, and he loved how hands-on each station was. “The one that had us make a bed with hospital corners and all” stood out as his favorite.

Based on the Ron Clark Academy’s competition, The Amazing Shake exposes students to networking, career skills, and real-world opportunities they may not have encountered before. During today’s “Gauntlet Round,” students rotated through 18 high-energy stations, tackling tasks like: mastering a proper handshake, accepting an award, setting a formal table, sorting and washing laundry, reading recipes and negotiating a golf course deal.

With only one minute per station, students had to think fast, adapt, and impress as community partners evaluated their performance.

Now, the top 25 students are advancing to the next round, “Work the Room,” set for tomorrow. After four intense rounds, one finalist will earn the honor of representing Dublin City Schools at the Ron Clark Academy’s Amazing Shake Competition!