WAITSBURG - Seven Waitsburg students traveled to Atlanta, Ga., at the end of March to compete in the National Amazing Shake competition at the Ron Clark Academy.

They joined over 400 students from the United States, Germany, Honduras, and Canada who attended the event. After preliminary rounds, the top 50 competed, and a student from Germany won. This was the first time that students from the Waitsburg School District participated in the competition. Faculty advisors Dusty Wirtzberger and Brenda Henderson said the students exceeded their expectations.

The students participated in practice rounds, given feedback from Ron Clark, and was then placed in different crews.

Students competed in rounds where they were judged for skills, including checking in at a ticket counter, making small talk with someone sitting next to them on a plane, performing in a Coca-Cola commercial, interviewing with different companies, and competing in a "work the room."

During the trip, the students were introduced to the RCA House System and brought the program back to Waitsburg. Students in the 5th through 8th grades have been divided into one of four houses: Altruismo, Portuguese for "givers," Amistad, Spanish for "friend," Isibindi, Zulu for "courage," and Reveur, French for "idealist." The houses in Waitsburg had their first competition on April 26.

Amazing Shake coordinator Dusty Wirtzberger remarked on the event, "I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the community for the incredible support in sending our Waitsburg students to the Amazing Shake event. Your generosity and belief in the students touched our hearts and filled us with immense gratitude."

"The opportunity to participate in the Amazing Shake event was a dream come true for these students. This event is not just about competition; it is a platform where our students hone their communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. It was a chance for them to push their boundaries, challenge themselves, and grow personally as well as represent what is good about Waitsburg."

"The support from the community made it possible for them to embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth.  I am deeply humbled by your support."

"As we represented our community at the Amazing Shake event, we carried with us the values and principles that define our community - resilience, integrity, and compassion."

"Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the Amazing Shake event and know without the community we would not have been able to go."