There was a whole lot of confidence building as students in grades 5-8 recently participated in this year’s Amazing Shake competition.
The Amazing Shake is designed to help students build real-world professional skills through hands-on experiences and interactive challenges. From introducing themselves to local professionals to handling high pressure situations, students spent the day practicing communication, problem-solving, professionalism, and confidence.
According to Tinora Middle School Principal Lisa Maxwell, the event gives students the opportunity to practice skills they will carry with them for years to come.
“It teaches our students professional skills like manners, respect, and confidence,” said Maxwell. “It helps prepare students for the workforce through simulated real-world scenarios, testing their ability to handle high-pressure situations, think on their feet, and communicate effectively.”
One of the first rounds of the competition challenged students to “work the room” by introducing themselves and having conversations with at least ten local business professionals and community leaders from Defiance County. During those conversations, volunteers scored students on their handshake, eye contact, professional dress, and conversation skills.
The experience pushed students outside of their comfort zones while helping them gain confidence talking with adults in professional settings.
“Throughout the process our students get to learn about many career opportunities in our area by talking with local professionals,” Maxwell shared. “It exposes them to careers and positions they may have never thought of.”
One of the biggest highlights of the Amazing Shake each year is the themed station round, and this year’s TV-themed challenges brought plenty of fun while still teaching important life lessons.
Each station placed students into realistic scenarios that required them to stay calm, think quickly, and adapt on the fly. One student favorite was “Kaitlyn’s Cottage Has Talent,” where students worked alongside clients during karaoke performances. Another memorable station was a “Central Perk” coffee shop inspired by Friends, where students had to handle an upset customer played by the owner of Biggby Coffee in Defiance. Between spilled drinks, wrong orders, and flying whipped cream, students had to keep their composure under pressure.
Other stations challenged students to give interviews, complete planning tasks, deliver broadcasts with constant interruptions, and even interview a sore loser after a competition. While the stations were full of laughs and surprises, they also gave students the chance to practice important skills in a safe and supportive environment.
“Confidence is a huge one for any middle school student,” said Maxwell. “Through this process they learn that putting themselves out there and talking with others isn’t as intimidating as it seems.”
Maxwell also shared that she enjoys seeing the growth in students from year to year, especially during the “Work the Room” portion of the competition.
“In fact, our work the room scores were very high this year,” she said. “It was the first year we have had to use our tie breakers!”
The event would not have been possible without the support of the many local professionals and community leaders who volunteered their time to encourage and interact with students throughout the day.
“Our judges are fantastic,” Maxwell said. “We have the best leaders and professionals here in Defiance County.”
This year’s Amazing Shake winner, Kipton Bostelman, also earned the opportunity to serve as principal for the day. Stepping into the role, he shared what the experience meant to him:
“It means a lot because I’ve seen this job and it looks really cool. You get to be in school, meet new people every day, and it’s pretty cool to be principal for the day.”
When asked about his goals, Kipton said:
“I want to make sure every student is safe and has the best time at school that they can.”
He also reflected on what he thought might be the hardest part of the job:
“The hardest part is problem solving. I’ve heard a lot of teachers are going to tell me problems and I’ve got to try to solve them.”
During the day, Kipton also got a behind-the-scenes look at what principals do, including attending meetings, writing thank-you notes to staff, helping with school tasks, and helping recognize students.
After a full day of challenges, these students earned top five finishes:
Kipton Bostelman
Izzy Roesti
Mia Mack
Madison Flemming
Connor Stein
At the end of the day, the Amazing Shake is about much more than competition. It is about helping students believe in themselves, step outside their comfort zones, and gain confidence they can carry with them far beyond middle school.
