Col. Alphonso Trimble, commanding officer, and Sgt. Maj. Johnny Higdon, base sergeant major, joined other community leaders for the second annual handshake competition at the Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy, March 13.

This event was the culmination of a curriculum focused on soft-skills that began in December 2017 with 280 students. The pool was narrowed to 50 in January, then the final 10 competed for the top prize Wednesday.

Winning the competition was 9th grader, Tuyen Nguyen (known as Julya to her classmates), a student at Westover Comprehensive High School, who is also a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps Junior Reserved Officers Training Corps.

Chris Hatcher, chief executive officer, 4C Academy, said the process was similar to speed dating where each of the finalists had just 70 seconds to make an impression on the judge before them. They were scored on their introductory handshake, eye contact and interaction, a professional soft skill that, according to Hatcher, is essential in today's workforce and business environment.

Nguyen said she was excited to win the competition and looks forward to joining the Marine Corps or Air Force after graduating from high school.

"My soft skills teacher here teaches us so much about resumes, how to complete job applications and other professional and soft skills. We learn what to wear, how to act, smile and to always have an elevator pitch," she said. This is what separates us from other schools. It feels good and I'm excited to go home and show my mom."

Trimble said it was a sincere pleasure for he and Higdon to meet the bright and energetic students of the 4C Academy this week during their annual professional development (handshaking contest) session.  “These talented and ambitious young men and women were extremely impressive and the Marines of MCLB Albany join me in wishing the entire team much success in the future.