‘SHAKING’ UP THE FUTURE

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May 9, 2025

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

Notre Dame Prep’s Amazing Shake champions reflect on confidence, character, and connection.

At Notre Dame Prep, the fourth annual Amazing Shake competition has grown into more than just a middle school challenge — it has become a transformative experience that empowers students to develop real-world skills like confidence, communication, and character. Inspired by the global competition created by the Ron Clark Academy, this competition challenges students to navigate dynamic social scenarios, mastering everything from a firm handshake to a compelling job interview, and so much more. And this year, two Notre Dame Prep students emerged as powerful examples of what this experience can truly cultivate.

Seventh grader Pranya Beri, winner of the 2025 Notre Dame Prep Amazing Shake and a finalist at the Global Amazing Shake in Atlanta, and seventh grader Daniella Sacco, this year’s Michigan Regional Amazing Shake champion, reflected on their experience during a sit-down interview with IRISH magazine.

The power of the shake

For both Pranya and Daniella, the first real taste of the Amazing Shake came during the exhilarating Round One — The Gauntlet.

“I’ll never forget walking into the Grimaldi Athletic Center and seeing 25 challenge stations,” Sacco recalled. “It was everything at once — intense, hilarious, and unexpected. From day one, I knew this competition was going to shape who I am.”

Beri described the Gauntlet as a moment where everything clicked. “The Gauntlet tests how fast you can adapt. You go from acting silly as a restaurant manager confiscating a rodent to seriously defending yourself in a mock speeding ticket scenario. It taught me how to stay calm under pressure — and how to lead with both confidence and empathy.”

The first round is meant to be fun and fast-paced, but it also lays the foundation for what comes next: deeper thinking, clearer speaking, and the ability to adapt to unfamiliar territory.

“The whole competition pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible and helped me discover strengths I never knew I had,” Beri continued. “From the very first handshake to the final round, every moment was filled with excitement, growth, and learning. Each round brought a new scenario, from ‘Work the Room’ to debates and interviews, and I loved how every experience helped sharpen a different skill.”

Beri said the most surprising part was how real and high stakes each round felt.

The most challenging round was the debate, which she said pushed her to express her opinions, listen actively to what others said, and defend her arguments.

“On top of that, we had to be mindful of the time and make sure everyone on the team got a fair chance to speak. It really tested our teamwork and composure under pressure,” she said.

In addition, the corporate presentation round at Randy Wise Automotive Team and a mock job interview at Spark Technologies felt very much like the real deal.

Regional and global recognition

After impressing at the school level, both students advanced to bigger stages — the Michigan Regional Competition, and the global competition in Atlanta, competing against students from across the country, Canada and Honduras.

“It was surreal,” Beri said of the global competition. “Every round pushed me to grow. One of my proudest moments was winning the ‘Deep Thoughts’ award. It showed me that being thoughtful and reflective is just as important as being poised.”

Beri said one of the most memorable parts of the event was the camaraderie among the competitors.

“Even though we were technically competing, it never felt that way. Everyone cheered each other on, shared encouragement between rounds, and celebrated one another’s wins. That kind of support reminded me that leadership is not just about standing out, it is also about lifting others up.”

Both Beri and Sacco were finalists in the global competition.

Sacco also stood out at the Michigan Regional Competition, where she was crowned champion among students from a variety of schools.

“It all happened in one day, but the energy was amazing,” Sacco said. “The best part was seeing familiar faces — friends and even teachers. It felt like this growing family of people all passionate about the same thing.”

Big questions, bigger lessons

One of the most daunting and rewarding rounds in the Michigan competition is Random Questions. In this round, students draw a question at random and must deliver a one-minute response in front of peers, teachers and judges.

“You don’t get time to script anything,” Sacco said. “You just have to speak from the heart. I learned the importance of connecting with your audience and being clear and honest in your message.”

Beri agreed, adding, “That round helped me find my voice. It is not about having the perfect answer — it is about staying present, being sincere, and letting people see who you really are.”

Preparation, practice, and purpose

Success in the Amazing Shake does not come without preparation. Sacco credits her calm confidence to daily practice with Principal Brandon Jezdimir, her coach and mentor throughout the competition.

“He would shake my hand and say, ‘Let’s talk.’ That regular practice made everything else feel natural. I also prayed before every round — faith gave me peace and reminded me to just be my best,” she said.

Beri’s preparation included staying informed about current events, reading regularly, and putting herself in new situations.

“I started introducing myself to teachers I didn’t know. I kept up with the news, so I would be ready to discuss anything. Being well-informed made me feel grounded and helped me in networking rounds like ‘Work the Room.’”

Favorite moments and memorable challenges

Both students point to the Work the Room round as a personal favorite. In this scenario, students are placed in a room with 20–30 business leaders and must engage in as many meaningful conversations as possible.

“It’s fun and realistic,” said Sacco. “You walk into a room and have to connect quickly with strangers. It’s like real-world networking. It’s one of my favorite challenges.”

Beri also mentioned the same round, highlighting its practicality. “It mirrors what professionals do every day. It taught me how to listen just as much as it taught me how to speak.”

The joy of winning

For Sacco, winning the Michigan title was both emotional and affirming.

“When I won Michigan, I was full of joy. During the final interview, I just talked from the heart — about my family, faith and life. I didn’t try to perform. I was just myself,” she said.

Beri felt similarly about advancing to the global stage. “This competition changed how I see the world. I’ve learned how to listen better, speak with purpose, and carry myself with professionalism. I feel ready for interviews, for leadership roles, for anything.”

Advice from the champions

Both girls now serve as role models for younger students entering the competition. Their advice? Keep it simple and be yourself.

“Be your genuine and authentic self,” said Sacco. “Your personality, your joy, your honesty — that’s what makes you shine.”

“Don’t be afraid to take risks,” added Beri. “Say hello to someone new. Try the challenge that scares you. Growth happens when you are uncomfortable.”

Looking to the future

Both students are already thinking ahead to next year. Sacco is excited about the Gauntlets again:

“It’s the kickoff to everything. I love walking into the Grimaldi not knowing what we’ll face. It’s like stepping into a story that hasn’t been written yet,” she said.

Outside the competition, both girls stay busy. Sacco is involved in Drama Club, track, the NDP Praise and Worship Choir, travel soccer, and tennis. Beri participates in theater, track, and Michigan Youth in Government.

Both said they are forever grateful for their time at Notre Dame Prep’s middle school, for the teachers who support them, and for all the opportunities the school provides students with.

“The Amazing Shake changed my life,” said Beri.

“And I’ll carry its lessons forever,” added Sacco.

For information on admission to Notre Dame Prep, please click here.

Comments or questions? mkelly@ndpma.org

About Notre Dame Preparatory School
"At Notre Dame Prep, we inspire our students to become the best versions of themselves. We challenge them through an experience of academic excellence, focused on active, project-based learning. We invite them to explore a world of opportunities beyond the classroom. We guide them as they grow in spirituality within a community strong in its Catholic and Marist identity."

Notre Dame Preparatory School is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. Notre Dame Preparatory School's upper school enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame Prep's middle and lower schools enroll students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. All three schools are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDP is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the National Association of Independent Schools. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School, visit the school’s home page at www.ndpma.org.