Confidence + Character: Students Shine at the Amazing Shake

During a recent school day at New Vision Charter School, the gym was buzzing — not with the sounds of a scoreboard, but with handshakes, conversations, and the unmistakable sound of a gong echoing across the room. Instead of practicing jump shots or cheering from the sidelines, students were navigating real-world challenges designed to test their confidence, communication skills, and professionalism.

The Amazing Shake is more than a competition. It brings together community leaders and role models to help students practice the professional skills they will need for success. Through engaging challenges and interactions with adults from across the community, students learn manners, discipline, respect, and how to present themselves in a professional environment.

For 170 Thompson School District students, those lessons came to life in a fast-paced experience they won’t soon forget.

Preparing Students for the Real World

The Amazing Shake program at New Vision is led by Head Coach Mallory Clasquin, Gifted and Talented Educator. Open to students in grades 4–8, the program offers multiple ways to participate.

“Our middle school students have the option to take it as an elective for a quarter,” Clasquin explained. “For elementary students and middle schoolers who can’t fit it into their schedules, we also offer a before-school club.”

This year, 170 students participated, including 140 from New Vision and 30 gifted and talented students from other Thompson School District public schools that are beginning to implement the program themselves.

The Amazing Shake traces its roots to The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. Clasquin discovered the program after reading Ron Clark’s books The Essential 55 and The End of Molasses Classes.

“I was inspired to start it because I saw such a gap in our students' ability to showcase themselves and all their knowledge to others in a growing digital world,” Clasquin said. “The program has proven to be transformational for many students as it launches them into high school prepared to confidently present themselves to the world.”

Where Learning Meets Challenge

The centerpiece of the Amazing Shake program is “The Gauntlet,” a fast-paced series of real-world challenges that test students’ professionalism, communication skills, and ability to think on their feet.

Participants moved through 12 stations designed to simulate situations they might encounter in everyday life or future careers. At the sound of a gong, students had just 60 seconds at each station to complete the assigned task before moving to the next challenge. Judges evaluated them using a rubric with a maximum score of 15 points per station, while students carried their scorecards from station to station.

The prompts were creative, practical, and often unexpected.

At one station, students practiced introducing themselves while sharing what they enjoy about their school. At another, they had to clearly explain how to play Mario Kart so a beginner could successfully join the game.

Students also held friendly conversations while playing cornhole, practiced tying a necktie, and learned how to ask a police officer for help after witnessing a concerning situation.

Other challenges required quick thinking. Students drew cards ranging from safe to risky questions, spun a “Crisis Wheel,” and explained how they would respond to a difficult situation, and even resolved a campsite conflict with professionalism and respect.

Several stations mimicked real-world customer service interactions. Students practiced taking a drive-thru order and relaying it accurately to the kitchen, while another challenge asked them to assist a retail customer searching for the right product.

At the Colorado League of Charter Schools’ booth, students tackled a particularly thought-provoking prompt: explaining to the press why charter schools and school choice matter.

Local organizations, businesses, and public servants volunteered their time to serve as judges and mentors throughout the Gauntlet. Participating partners included Chartered Technology, Talent Realty Co., Loveland Police Department, Project Heart, Larimer County Rangers, Chick-fil-A, Scheels, Lowe’s, Larkins Agency, and the Colorado League of Charter Schools.

These volunteers didn’t just evaluate students—they shook hands, asked questions, offered encouragement, and helped bring the learning experience to life. Their presence reinforced one of the program’s core messages: strong communities help prepare young people for the future.

Skills that Last a Lifetime

While the competition format makes the event exciting, the real impact of the Amazing Shake lies in the lasting skills students develop.

“Learning how to introduce themselves confidently, maintain eye contact, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully are abilities that will serve them for their entire lives,” said Peter Mason, Vice President of Communications for the Colorado League of Charter Schools.

The event pushes students slightly outside their comfort zones while providing a supportive environment where growth is celebrated.

By the end of the day, students leave with more than just a scorecard—they leave with greater confidence, stronger communication skills, and the ability to present themselves with professionalism.

In a world that increasingly happens behind screens, experiences like the Amazing Shake remind students that a confident handshake, thoughtful conversation, and respectful interaction can still open doors.