WENTZVILLE, Mo. – Humorist Will Rogers famously said “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
Stone Creek Elementary School in Wentzville has taken that sentiment to the next level with The Amazing Shake, a competition where students are graded on their social interaction with judges, high school students, and the school district superintendent. Students learn handshakes, eye contact and conversational skills.
“We felt it was important to teach these skills to our students so when they go out into the world they’re able to make that great first impression when they’re meeting someone,” said Stone Creek Assistant Principal Melissa Armbruster.
The Stone Creek Elementary competition is modeled after Atlanta's Ron Clark Academy which created competition. The Amazing Shake places an emphasis on teaching students manners, discipline, respect and professional conduct. Prior to the competition, students learn the nuances of professional human interaction as they are taught skills like how to give a proper handshake, how to "work a room," how to give a successful interview and how to remain composed under pressure. The goal is to prepare students to present themselves exceptionally well for opportunities today as well in the future.
Among the participants is Stone Creek fifth-grade student Ishmael Glover, an aspiring guitarist.
“I look up to Les Paul and Wes Montgomery, so I want to be like them one day and be on stage,” said Glover.
Glover used a French phrase to describe what the students are trying to achieve.
“The je ne sais quoi,” said Glover. “The grip of your handshake and how you introduce yourself. Like, you might not always know the person but you still gotta be confident but not overconfident.”
School counselor Alexa Hanna described it this way when addressing the community members serving as judges.
“Their engagement, their confidence and social grace,” said Hanna. “The big one: the je ne sais quoi. Do they have that natural ‘it’ factor when speaking with you.”
In day one of the three-day competition, a gong signaled one-minute interactions when students introduced themselves to each of five judges.
“Hi, Welcome to Stone Creek. I’m Evie. What’s your name?” said fifth-grader Evie Laspe to a judge. “What do you do for a living?”
“I’m the mayor of Wentzville.”
“Oh, that’s awesome,” said Laspe.
After meeting with five judges, Laspe was asked what she did well.
“I think I asked good stuff about their business and their jobs,” she said.
Glover was beginning to see the possibilities of perfecting his social skills.
“Handshakes can open opportunities,” said Glover. “It’s showing me what’s going to happen in my future.”
