Since January, seventh graders across the district have been participating in the Amazing Shake — a global, high-impact leadership competition created by the Ron Clark Academy that challenges students to perform under pressure.

On Friday, Feb. 20, students who placed at the Semi-Finals made their way through the Amazing Shake District Finals at the Junior Achievement of Central Carolinas location at Camp North End. Six students were originally planned to advance to the next stage, but in the end, nine students will go to the Amazing Shake Global Finals at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta.

"Watching our students navigate Friday’s finals with such poise and professional grit was a powerful reminder of the incredible potential within CMS,” said Eric Summerour, executive director of Career and Technical Education. “Their dedication to mastering the art of communication has been inspiring, and I couldn't be prouder of the effort they poured into every handshake and conversation. As we look toward the next level in March, I am eager to see these young leaders carry this momentum forward and continue to show the world exactly what they are capable of." 

Elijah Corbett from McClintock Middle School won first place overall and was all smiles as he proudly held his trophy and medal. 

“I was filled with a lot of nerves,” Corbett said as he remembered entering the gauntlet. “I practiced by talking with my mom and my teachers. It took a lot of work, but I’m happy that I put in the work. When I won, I was happy. I wanted to cry.”

Congratulations to the following students who will advance to the global finals in March:

• Arianna Arnette, Albemarle Road Middle School
• Avery Brown, Jay M. Robinson Middle School
• Elijah Corbett, McClintock Middle School 
• Noah David, Jay M. Robinson Middle School
• Bianca Enriquez, McClintock Middle School
• Harper Kuehnle, First Ward Creative Arts Middle School
• Adeline Reilly, Bailey Middle School
• Serena Samara, Jay M. Robinson Middle School
• Abhinav Sandeep, Rea Farms STEAM Academy