Over the next week starting Wednesday 90 District 205 students will put their professional soft skills to the test with the Great Galesburg Shake.
This is the second year for the competition that will lead participants through rounds where they’ll be judged on things like shaking hands, making eye contact and ability to carry a conversation.
The contest came to Galesburg through 205 educators that visited Atlanta’s Ron Clark Academy in 2014 and witnessed their “Amazing Shake”, which they adapted and brought to Galesburg.
Nielson outreach worker and Galesburg Shake committee member Jodie McNally tells WGIL that the competition helps students develop personal and professional skills.
“Our biggest hope is that they will leave our schools with the ability to go out into the community and beyond with the skills necessary for their futures,” McNally says.
She adds that since January at least $10,000 has been raised with assistance even extending beyond Galesburg.
“The students really seem to enjoy it and learn a lot so we’re hoping to continue it for many years to come,” McNally says.
Over 60 local business leaders will be a part of judging the first round at the GHS field house Wednesday.
Many of the other rounds’ details are secret but McNally was able to say that a round will involve local veterans, another United Way of Knox County and another a dinner at Central Congregational Church, all encompassing a theme of service.
