ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A group of Orange County elementary school students is heading to a global competition focusing on “soft skills.”
The Dream Lake Elementary Ambassadors compete in the Global Amazing Shake competition at Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta next week.
News 6 Anchor Julie Broughton spoke with the school’s principal about why these skills are so critical.
“We are wanting to make an impact and a first impression that is powerful and unforgettable,” said Dr. Carol-Ann Clenton-Martin. “Soft skills are how we navigate our world. You definitely need content. You need to know how to do math and science and social studies. You definitely need to know how to read. But you also need to know how to think critically. You need to know how to communicate effectively. And you need to know how to be compassionate with others and have an understanding of the people in the world and how you interact with them.”
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Ten fourth and fifth-grade students make up the ambassadors. The club meets before and after school. They practice posture, handshakes, conversation and active listening. The group started with 33 students at the beginning of the year. Martin said students competed in a series of tasks known as “The Gauntlet,” with the top performers remaining in the club.
“They realized to be at the top, they had to have a well-rounded understanding of the world. Not just how well they did in school, they need to know what’s happening internationally, what’s happening locally, what’s happening in politics,” Martin said.” It’s important that I provide a rich, rigorous academic program here, but I also provide a caring, compassionate environment where students are learning how to be a part of the world and be a productive part of this world.”
Next week, the students travel to Atlanta for the competition. Martin said for many, this will be both their first flight and their first time in Atlanta. The groups will tour the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Junior as well as some other historic sites.
School counselor and club sponsor Lucy Dorlus said this trip will bring history to life.
“You talk about it, but to actually experience it and say this is where Martin Luther King was born. This is where he grew up. This is where he lived. I think it kind of just gives them living history and seeing it rather than just seeing it in a book,” Dorlus said. “I know for me, I wish I had a program like this when I was their age. I can imagine 10 years from now the impact it will have on them.”
Martin tells Broughton they are still accepting monetary donations to help with the cost of flights, hotels, professional clothing, and other expenses related to the competition. If you’d like to donate, you can do so through SchoolPay.
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