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January 16, 2026

Navarro ISD Crowns District Panther Shake Champion

Geronimo, TX – January 16, 2026 - Navarro Independent School District (NISD) hosted its second annual Panther Shake Finals today, a unique competition designed to equip elementary and intermediate students with essential life skills, professional etiquette, and the art of the perfect handshake.

The championship featured six finalists from Navarro Elementary and Intermediate who advanced from a rigorous semi-final round of twenty competitors held in December. The competition challenges students to master social skills—such as maintaining eye contact, offering a firm handshake, and engaging in sophisticated conversation with adults—that are vital for future success.

During the finals, students participated in a "speed-networking" format, sitting across from a panel of distinguished community leaders. Each competitor had two minutes to build rapport and impress the judges before moving to the next table. Students were evaluated on five key categories:

  • Greeting and Handshake
  • Confidence
  • Voice and Volume
  • Conversational Skills
  • Overall Success

The judging panel included local dignitaries who rely on these professional skills daily, including City of Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen, Guadalupe County Judge Kyle Kutscher, Guadalupe County Sheriff Joshua Ray, Seguin HEB Operations Manager JR Pena, and Navarro ISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and School Leadership Dr. David Kauffman, and Superintendent Dr. Mandy Epley.

"The Panther Shake is about more than just a greeting; it’s about teaching our students how to navigate the world and stand out with confidence," said Chelsea Ormond, Navarro ISD Director of Communications. "These young leaders have worked hard after school and at home to develop a presence that will serve them for the rest of their lives."

Dr. Epley emphasized the importance of community involvement in student growth, "Watching our students engage so confidently with our community leaders is a testament to their hard work and the support of our dedicated staff. This competition bridges the gap between the classroom and the real world, ensuring our Panthers are prepared to lead with a firm handshake and a brilliant smile. We are incredibly proud of every finalist who stepped up to the table today."

Paris “Coco” Kay, a 4th-grade student, was named the Navarro ISD District Champion. All finalists were recognized as "Panther Shake Ambassadors" for their respective campuses and were treated to celebratory Whataburger milk“shakes” following the ceremony.

The 2026 Panther Shake Finalists:

  • Paris “Coco” Kay (4th Grade) – District Champion
  • Olivia Perkins (2nd Grade)
  • Marcelo Chapa (5th Grade)
  • Cooper Clardy (2nd Grade)
  • Isaiah Avalos (2nd Grade)
  • Bella Sandersen (4th Grade)

Navarro ISD would like to extend a special thank you to the campus leaders—Coach Pullin, Coach Spanton, Mrs. Dahl, and Mrs. Gregersen—for their mentorship, and to the parents for their continued support of these rising Panthers.

A group of people pose for a photo in front of a purple and gold balloon display. A man in a suit shakes hands with a young boy in a library setting. A woman in a red shirt shakes hands with a girl in a blue dress in a classroom.

A teacher and student share a moment of connection in a classroom. A man in a cowboy hat speaks with a young boy wearing glasses at a table. A young boy in a bow tie speaks at a table in a library setting.

A man in a cowboy hat speaks with a young girl at a table in a library. A young girl smiles while sitting at a table, facing an older man in a library. A man and a student sit at a table, engaged in conversation in a library setting.