08 May 2024 Guinness world record set by Sylvan Hills students when 3,000 connect
SHERWOOD — More than 3,000 students from kindergarten through 11th grades connected, literally, to break the Guinness World Record for Longest Human Electric Circuit record.
Students and staff from all eight schools in the Sylvan Hills feeder pattern attended the event along with local community members, PCSSD cabinet representatives and the two Sylvan Hills feeder school board members.
“This was such an incredible event to be a part of,” said Dr. Charles McNulty, superintendent of PCSSD. “To see our young professionals join together with each other for a momentous occasion like this is truly record-breaking.”
The idea for this event started with a professional development session that Sylvan Hills High instructional coach, Ciara Cole, attended nearly two years ago. Steve Spangler, TV personality and STEM teacher, led a session on energy and human connection. He introduced the “Steve Spangler Energy Stick” and gave each attendee one to take home. At the event, Cole found out that a school district in Florida set the world record for longest human electrical current at 1,679. After sharing the story with her son, Jaxon, they both knew they could beat the record.
“Our school theme this year was Connected,” Cole said. “It’s all about building connections and making lasting events and knowledge for students outside of the classroom. When I told [Jaxon] about this, he said ‘mom, we can break that record by getting connected!’ And that’s when I knew it was the perfect time to do this.”
After months of planning, lots of logistical coordination and plenty of adjustments, the event finally came to fruition. The entire event spanned 6,746 feet and included 2,818 people (final tally could change after reviewing video evidence) across two campuses – Sylvan Hills High and Sylvan Hills Elementary.
This would not be possible without the generous support of Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH). As a Sylvan Hills High partner with the Academy of Central Arkansas, ACH is proud to have served as presenting sponsor for this momentous occasion.
Special thanks to the following groups for attending and participating in the memorable event:
- Arkansas Children’s Hospital – Vontifany Smith-Johnson, ACH representative
- Central Arkansas Water – provided water to guests across the campuses
- City of Sherwood – Mayor Joe Heye-Townsell and Heather Jenkins, Public Information Officer
- Garver Engineering – Derrick Hendrix, surveyor
- Pettit and Pettit Engineering – Tony Aycock, electrical engineer witness
- North Little Rock Tourism – Heather Kouns, witness
The schools in this feeder pattern include Cato Elementary, Oakbrooke Elementary, Sherwood Elementary, Sylvan Hills Elementary, William Jefferson Clinton Elementary, Sylvan Hills Middle, Sylvan Hills Junior High and Sylvan Hills High.
