Carson-Dellosa Announces Grand-Prize Winner in the Guinness World Records® Classroom Challenge; School Breaks Record for Longest Friendship Bracelet

GREENSBORO, N.C., May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Carson-Dellosa Publishing, LLC, in partnership with Guinness World Records, announced the grand-prize winner in its Guinness World Records® Classroom Challenge at a record-breaking event held Friday, May 20th in Owingsville, KY. As grand-prize winners under the direction of 4th Grade teacher Jessica Goldy, the students of Owingsville Elementary School created the world’s longest friendship bracelet. Students created a total of 3,799 links that were connected to make one bracelet measuring 810 feet. Friday morning, under the supervision of a Guinness World Records® adjudicator, the exciting event was held on the school’s football field.

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The Guinness World Records® Classroom Challenge asked K-6 teachers across America to nominate their classroom or school to break or set a Guinness World Record relating to science, math, geography, social studies or language arts. After combing through the overwhelming responses from educators nationwide, the field was narrowed to 10 qualified finalists. Owingsville Elementary was chosen by the public as the grand-prize winner in the final round of the contest, which garnered over 15,000 online votes. In addition to the opportunity to break the world record, Jessica was awarded a $1,000 Carson-Dellosa Publishing gift certificate for their school, and a 2011 Guinness World Records book for each classroom.

"Carson-Dellosa's adaptation of content that brings educational value to the classroom and home, together with Guinness World Records, a world-class leading brand, has proven to be a winning combination," said Judy Harris, CEO, Carson-Dellosa Publishing. "The idea for the Classroom Challenge was developed out of our desire to excite teachers across America and to encourage them to collaborate with their students to be creative and take learning to a new level. Through our partnership with Guinness World Records, we were able to provide students all over the country the opportunity to make history through their educationally inspired and creative ideas."

"Breaking a Guinness World Record makes you a permanent piece of pop culture history. We are so proud to have done this," said grand-prize winning teacher Jessica Goldy. "This bracelet symbolizes our school coming together for a truly meaningful project. It's something these students will always remember."

The idea for the bracelet came about after the school hosted a Friendship Day, which gave students in different grade levels the ability cultivate and unite friendships. The students wanted to celebrate the day by fostering its ideals through a physical symbol.

Beyond the Classroom Challenge, Carson-Dellosa launched a variety of Guinness World Records products that have been embraced by parents and teachers including Math and Reading Books, Creative Writing Cards, and Fact Cards, keeping children engaged and inspiring learners at all levels with fun, intriguing educational content for 21st century students.

"On behalf of Guinness World Records, we'd like to congratulate all the students at Owingsville Elementary who've made their mark on history. It's been a wonderful experience for our organization, participating in this challenge and motivating classrooms across America to break world records," said Jennifer Gilmour, Publishing Sales & Product Manager, Guinness World Records.  

To learn more about Carson-Dellosa, visit Facebook.com/CarsonDellosa, Twitter.com/CDPub, or YouTube.com/ CarsonDellosaPub.

About Carson-Dellosa Publishing, LLC

Carson-Dellosa is a leading creator and publisher of innovative and award-winning Pre-K through Grade 8 educational media. We have been making learning fun for more than 35 years.  We provide teachers and parents from around the world with innovative solutions for their 21st century students. Our books, decoratives, games and manipulatives brighten the classroom, inspire students and are the leading choice of teachers and parents. The company's respected brands include: American Education Publishing, Spectrum, Summer Bridge Activities, Frank Schaffer, Brighter Child, Key Education, Judy Instructo, Mark Twain, and High Reach Learning. Carson-Dellosa Publishing, LLC. www.carsondellosa.com.

About Guinness World Records

Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is one of the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer's Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements.

SOURCE Carson-Dellosa Publishing