LIVINGSTON, La. – Select Livingston Parish students in 5th and 8th grade recently participated in a dynamic “Amazing Shake” exercise to assess and improve their soft skills. They were subjected to drills that tested their ability to display confidence and poise, to effectively communicate and to maintain a sense of professionalism in challenging or unexpected situations.
All students received scores on their performance, while the top participating 8th grader was selected to represent the district at the Global Amazing Shake competition in Atlanta, Georgia, in March 2026. Jake Sykora from North Corbin Junior High was named the winner with the top score.
“We became aware of the ‘Amazing Shake’ program two years ago during a professional development session that promotes engaging learning practices. The premise of the program is to introduce and equip students with essential life skills, such as public speaking, networking, critical thinking, and personal interaction, to prepare them for future success,” Superintendent Jody Purvis said.
The district has teamed up with SADD, the parish’s Students Against Destructive Decisions organization, who hosted the event on a parish-wide scale. SADD Executive Director Dylan Ivy recruited local sponsors and community leaders to participate in the program to provide the students with “real life” scenarios.
Students were presented with job interviews by local business leaders, a mock television appearance and a red-carpet interview. Other scenarios included having to explain a product to a person who did not speak English, interacting with an elected official, and writing a speech or resume in a matter of minutes.
“We make the sessions fun and engaging, but the goal is to prepare students for real-world situations,” Ivy said. “As an organization focused on preventing substance abuse, we know that when students build strong communication skills, they’re less likely to engage in destructive behaviors and more confident when refusing drugs and other substances.”
“Beyond academics, skills like a firm handshake and confident eye contact give students a real advantage in life,” he said.
Seventh Ward Elementary Principal Laura Dunlap hosted the “Amazing Shake” exercises at her school. This is the second year SADD has organized the day-long event at her school.
“We all want to make good impressions and have the best opportunities to succeed. This is about developing those life skills and enhancing social interactions that can make a significant impact in their day-to-day lives,” Dunlap said.
“The goal is to prepare students so they are able to present themselves exceptionally well for opportunities today and for those opportunities that will come in the future,” she said.
The ‘Amazing Shake” program has been adopted by many schools across the nation. The Ron Clark Academy provides guidelines and a toolkit of resources for the program. Those schools who offer a competition component can select winners who advance to the national "Global Amazing Shake" event hosted at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.
Livingston Parish’s program offers competition to the 8th grade participants. Three eighth graders from each middle school in the district were selected to compete. Students were awarded scores on their performance and reactions in each drill, with the top scoring participant being named the winner.
Two 5th graders from each elementary school in the district were also selected to participate in the event. Those students also received scores on their performance, but the exercises were used as developmental opportunities only.
