Shaping Young Professionals at Amazing Shakes

Duchesne students Maeve McCune ’28 and Isaac Garner ’29 put their communication skills to work on Monday, November 9, while helping middle school students compete in the first round of the Amazing Shake at Incarnate Word Catholic School in Chesterfield.

McCune and Garner joined students from Vianney, St. Joseph’s Academy, and Ursuline to serve as judges for the Circle of Doom, one of three events held during the opening round of the competition.

The Amazing Shake is a competitive program designed to help students build confidence, discipline, respect, poise, and professionalism. Participants develop skills such as giving a proper handshake, working a room, handling a difficult phone conversation, interviewing for a job, and presenting to a crowd.

Garner was impressed by the real-world skills the program emphasized.

“The Amazing Shake is an amazing program that prepares students for real-world experiences,” he said. “It teaches them confidence, professionalism, and being able to think on the fly.”

The program runs from September through March, with all Incarnate Word junior high students participating. Students advance through five rounds until two finalists remain. The eventual winner travels to Atlanta to compete in the Global Amazing Shake at the Ron Clark Academy, where the program originated.

This year marked the first time high school students served as judges for Incarnate Word’s competition.

During the Circle of Doom, 132 middle school students rotated through nine stations. At each stop, students were expected to properly introduce themselves before receiving a question they had not seen in advance. They then had 90 seconds to provide a detailed response.

McCune was among the high school students tasked with asking the questions and evaluating the responses.

“They all did a great job, and I loved hearing all the answers they came up with,” she said. “I also had the opportunity to provide them feedback, and we worked on the importance of eye contact, body language, and storytelling in an interview.”

Following each response, McCune, Garner, and the other judges offered positive feedback and constructive criticism on everything from handshakes and posture to speaking volume and the answers themselves.

For McCune, the chance to work directly with the younger students made the experience especially rewarding.

“The program was so amazing and provided the students a great way to work on their interview and professional skills,” she said. “Altogether, it was a really fun day, and everyone did so amazing.”

Adam Fritz, who helped organize the event, said the two Pioneers made a strong impression throughout the day.

“I was given rave reviews on how Maeve and Isaac spoke with the students and just how well they gave feedback, whether positive or on areas of improvement,” Fritz said. “We were so proud of them and cannot thank them enough for their time and effort.”

Garner left equally impressed with the program and what it could offer the students moving forward.

“The Amazing Shake was an awesome experience and should be offered to every student to prepare them for real life,” he said. “I am excited to see where the program will take these young men and women.”