As Trigg County High School seniors prepare to take that first leap into adulthood, several underclassmen still find themselves trying to find their professional footing.
Highlighting these emotions and skills was the Second Annual “Amazing Shake” competition — which this year offered up three rounds of grueling social tests before a winner, 15-year-old freshman Holly Britton, was tabbed. The final interviews, conducted by News Edge News Director Alan Watts, were live and in front of the student body.
In the end, there were no losers. Only learners.
Competing in it for the second time in as many years, Milly Reynolds called it all “a great opportunity” — especially since it helped her, and other classmates, figure out what they want to do after high school.
Julie Dalen, an exchange student from Norway, wants to return to the U.S. and attend college somewhere in the south — perhaps the University of Alabama — in order to pursue sports journalism and covering soccer.
As a competition finalist, though, she said she “had never been so scared” facing that final moment on the Little Theater stage.
A tri-athlete for Trigg County High School — wrestling, shotput and cheerleading — Karley Johnson noted that while she’s “a very outgoing person” who “never stops talking” to anyone who listens, she still felt challenged by the spontaneity that comes with the competition.
Livia Breckel, part of Trigg County’s 21-win softball squad, was also among the 19 finalists who found themselves gaining more confidence after the experience.
Like the rest of the finalists, Joseph Ethridge spent the night before cramming on current events and interview protocols — even doing a little bit of research just before the final round began.
Now, he feels ready for his next opportunity.
Connor Fitzhugh said his time in a special hobby had him ready for the rigors of “Amazing Shake,” but still thought it difficult in certain moments.
Jadynce Hancock, meanwhile, is among the many in this competition that will soon be seeking dual credit at Hopkinsville Community College.
She, too, wants to tackle a journalism degree in college, but like the dozens of students who opted to compete in this, she felt the fear of scrutiny and disapproval more than anything else.
Reynolds also noted that several students simply “shocked themselves with their ability,” and understood the interview setting will very much be a part of their lives after leaving high school.