Addison Antonoff, a seventh grade student at Community House Middle School, is no stranger to the spotlight. Making a name for himself both inside and outside the classroom. 

Antonoff has been interviewed on local news outlets, has thousands of followers on TikTok and advanced to the Top 10 for his school at the semifinals of the Amazing Shake, a public speaking competition created by the Ron Clark Academy. 

Antonoff, who is hearing impaired, says he refuses to let his disability limit his abilities. He acknowledges that there are difficult moments, but he remains focused on moving forward and never giving up. “Sometimes I have difficult times,” Antonoff shared, “but I know it’s important to keep going and not stop believing.” 

"Addison always has a positive attitude regardless of any difficulty he may encounter. The Amazing Shake competition allowed others to see his positivity in action at the school and the district level,” says Christine Miller, career development coordinator at Community House Middle School.

Although he did not make it to the finals in the Amazing Shake competition, Antonoff describes his experience as transformative, fun, challenging and eye-opening. He says the competition gave him valuable public speaking skills that will help him in the future. “The Amazing Shake helps me talk to adults,” he said. “Sometimes students have a hard time with that, and it helps us feel more confident.”

Antonoff also spoke highly of his school community, saying he loves being a student at CMS, appreciates his teachers and enjoys all of his classes.

When asked who inspires him most, Antonoff had a heartfelt message for his mom: “Thank you for inspiring me and helping me. Mom, you are the best.”

Looking ahead, Antonoff has big dreams. When he grows up, he hopes to become a rock star — to show others that anything is possible when you believe in yourself.

Antonoff says that making it to the Top 10 of the Amazing Shake was an emotional moment, especially since he never expected to make it that far.

The future for Antonoff is bright, he aspires to stay true to his self-proclaimed motto:

“Keep going and don’t stop believing.”