Bigelow Hill Intermediate Students Shake Things Up

Thanks to principal Pam Hamlin, Bigelow Hill students have learned that a good first impression could be just a handshake away.  After noticing an overall reticence between students and staff in the hallways, Hamlin and the staff wanted to find a way to teach the youngsters how to properly and confidently introduce themselves and interact with adults. The inaugural “ The Big Shake” handshake competition was enacted, placing more than 280 participating fourth- and fifth-grade students face-to-face with judges for 30-second intervals during which they were challenged to converse and, of course, shake hands. After three progressive rounds, with 25 different judges, the finals were held on December 18, with Mayor Lydia Mahalik interviewing the top three contestants. Mahalik declared fifth-grader Chloe Hughes the winner. Hughes received a trophy and a relaxing lunch after the interview. A plaque with her name will be installed at the school to commemorate her victory and Hamlin hopes to make “The Big Shake” an annual competition.