Braving 'The Gauntlet' at Hawthorne Elementary

Would you be brave enough to walk The Gauntlet? 

Fifth-graders at Hawthorne Elementary School summoned their courage and did just that, facing challenges from giving an impromptu speech, to walking a fashion runway, to presenting a weather report amid rain, wind and other elements.

It was all part of The Amazing Shake, a competition that helps students develop and hone interpersonal skills such as manners, discipline, respect and professional conduct. The competition, which originated at the Ron Clark Academy, is a tradition at Hawthorne. It involves several rounds, including The Gauntlet, in which students work their way through several scenarios that call on them to adapt and think on their feet.

The number of competitors narrowed after each round.

This year's competition ended with fifth-grader Veronika Hess taking home the top prize. Classmates Brooklyn Broders and Zachary Taylor rounded out the top three.

More than 40 volunteers helped with The Amazing Shake. Hawthorne's fifth-grade teachers are Jason Gradwohl, Mary Carper and Kathryn Cornell.