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It was a night of congratulations and farewells on Wednesday. The Chambers County School Board held the last meeting of 2024. 

The main agenda item was the award ceremony for the 2024 Amazing Shakes winners. The competition “places an emphasis on teaching student’s manners, discipline, respect, and professional conduct,” according to a CCSD press release. All middle school students in the district are eligible to enter. 

“This is a board meeting and a presentation that we have started looking forward to in the district.” said Dr. Casey Chambley, the CCSD Superintendent. Wednesday was also Chambley’s final meeting as Superintendent. An article wrapping up the superintendent’s time in office will appear in the Saturday edition. 

The 2024-2025 competition saw 40 participants from Eastside J.P. Powell STEAM Magnet School and W.F. Burns Middle School. The first round, which featured a panel of three judges, had the students interview. The top 20 students moved on to round two. 

The next round paired students off to hold a debate on certain education topics. The participants had to research and engage in a debate in order to be one of the ten chosen to move on to the next round. 

 “This is a competition that we were able to bring back, and it’s one that we feel is very useful to our students,” Chambley continued. “They are learning skills as young people to overcome different fears and different things by being able to speak in public…they have to accomplish and do things that some adults would have a difficult time accomplishing.” 

The contestants were treated to lunch with State Representative Debbie Wood to discuss the local community. Five moved on to the fourth and final round. 

The last five standing had to do an interview at the Board of Education. The winners of this year’s Amazing Shakes competition were all students at W.F. Burns. 

Dr. Sheila Jones, Director of Curriculum and Instruction K-8, presented the awards. 

Kipton Hunter, a sixth grader at W.F. Burns, was the winner of the Amazing Shakes competition getting first place.

“Kip is an exceptional young leader who credits the game of golf for teaching him valuable life lessons, including professionalism and etiquette,” Jones said. “One of Kip’s standout traits is his goal driven, mindset. He has learned to hold his head high through challenges, maintain composure under pressure and create strategies to overcome self doubt.”

Hunter is involved in US Kids Golf, the Langdale Methodist church youth group, and serves as a VHS varsity football boy. He is also a member of the Beta Club and Student Government Association.

Annaleigha Tullock got the second place spot. 

“Tullock is a shining example of enthusiasm and dedication in everything she takes on. She is actively engaged, involved in the Beta Club, serves as an office aide, contributes to the yearbook staff and participates as a Valley Junior High cheerleader and a member of the VHS gold team. Beyond school, Annaleigh is deeply engaged in her community.”

Ada Yarbrough won third place in the competition. 

“Our third place winner exemplifies outstanding character and leadership through her respectful demeanor toward peers, teammates and elders,” said Jones. “She is a seventh grade student at W.F. Burns Middle School, actively involved in a variety of activities, including the Student Government Association, Beta Club, Valley Junior High cheer team and the W.F. Burns advanced band.”

The winners will have the opportunity to intern with Wood during the upcoming state legislative session in the spring of 2025.