York Jr. HS students practice communication skills during off-campus Amazing Shake

Apr 3
3 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Second annual Amazing Shake program at the Conroe ISD Jett Center gave selected students a day of instruction, preparation and real-world practice.

York Junior High School held its second annual Amazing Shake on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Conroe ISD Jett Center, where selected students spent the day learning and practicing communication skills through a series of workshops, exercises and competitive scenarios. The event schedule included handshake instruction, conversation practice, restaurant etiquette, a VIP luncheon, preparation for the competition and “the gauntlet,” where students were tested in real-world interactions.

The Amazing Shake is a program York brought in from the Ron Clark Academy. Kelsea Meredith, associate principal at York JHS, said the event gives students an opportunity to learn basic life skills and then demonstrate those skills in the gauntlet portion of the competition. Meredith also said students had to apply and be accepted before taking part in the event. About 60 students applied and about 36 were selected. Students completed an application focused on leadership skills and what they want from life, submitted recommendation letters and were reviewed by a committee before invitations were extended.

The event followed a full-day schedule. Students arrived at 9:45 a.m., followed by an icebreaker activity, a handshake exercise, conversation tips and practice, restaurant etiquette, a VIP lunch, preparation for the Amazing Shake, “The Gauntlet — The Game of Life,” a winner announcement and departure back to York Junior High School. The event’s theme this year was “the game of life.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4Rmr3TTCbQ

One part of the day was the VIP luncheon, which gave students an opportunity to use the communication skills introduced earlier in the session in a more formal setting. The luncheon guests included senior leaders from Conroe ISD and the Grand Oaks HS feeder zone, whose presence reflected district support for the program and for helping students build strong communication skills.

Lunch guests included Misty Odenweller, president of the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees; David Vinson, superintendent of schools; Paula Klapesky, assistant superintendent for middle schools; Dr. Frederick Black Jr., Grand Oaks High School principal; Sarah Dorsey, Grand Oaks High School 9th Grade Campus principal; Ken Shields, Clark Intermediate principal; Erin Mathe, Hines Elementary principal; and Dr. Paola Gorman, director of Highly Mobile and At-Risk Programs.

The schedule also included a headshot session, giving students exposure to another part of professional communication. A headshot is a standard portrait commonly used in school, business and organizational settings for items such as websites, staff directories, ID badges, programs, newsletters and professional profiles. Including headshots in the event helped introduce students to how personal presentation extends beyond conversation and etiquette to the way people are represented in formal and workplace settings. Headshots for the event were provided by The Woodlands Student Center.

2026 Amazing Shake Champion - Cannon Townsend

Cannon Townsend was named the winner of York Junior High School’s Amazing Shake at the conclusion of the day’s competition. The Amazing Shake champion is selected through judged competition rounds that test communication, professionalism and how students respond in real-world situations. Townsend’s finish at the top of the field marked the final step in a day that challenged students to put handshakes, conversation skills, etiquette and confidence into practice.

York’s Amazing Shake centers on communication in everyday and professional situations. From handshakes and small talk to etiquette and working the room, the event is designed to help students practice skills they can use in school, future interviews and conversations with adults in leadership roles. Meredith said the school also invited more VIP guests this year so they could see what students were doing through the program.