Hoffman Estates H.S. sets Guinness high-five record

A framed certificate from Guinness World Records in London opened a meeting of administrators recently at Hoffman Estates High School.

It turns out that Hoffman Estates High School students helped set a world record last fall for the most-high fives in an hour.

They completed 1,364 high fives, breaking the previous record set in 2006 in Portland, Ore., when 408 people high-fived at the local courthouse square.

For their efforts, Hoffman Estates students hold a certified record in the amazing feats category of the famed world record book. And, now, after months of waiting, they have the framed certificate to prove it.

The object of the record-setting high-fives was Flash, the mascot from Northwest Special Recreation Association. Students high-fived Flash as they entered the football stadium for the start of their fall sports assembly in September.

“It took awhile, and kids had to wait in line to do it,” said Rusty Cumings, student activities director, “but they were very patient — and very enthusiastic about the idea.”

Officials with NWSRA approached the school about the idea. They thought of it as an opportunity to make students aware of volunteer options with the special recreation association and of its programs and events for individuals with special needs.

They called the high-fiving record attempt their “Lend a Hand” volunteer drive.

NWSRA is an extension of 17 Northwest suburban park districts, providing recreational opportunities to children and adults with disabilities. In 2009, NWSRA had more than 21,000 registrations for its special events, trips, leisure education, Special Olympics and Paralympics.

At Hoffman Estates High School, NWSRA has an active Special Olympics team, as well as students who participate in its “Traveling Teens” program, where they take weekly trips after school.

“Overall, the school is willing to do whatever it takes to help people with disabilities,” said Kristin Violante, volunteer coordinator for NWSRA, based in Rolling Meadows.

It was Brian Selders, development director for the recreation association, who donned the purple costume as Flash, and gave high-fives to students. He quips that he still is recovering.

“Seriously, it was harder than it looks,” Selders said. “There were very specific rules from Guinness, like my hand had to be raised above my shoulder, and I couldn't wear gloves.”

Cumings said some students were disappointed that the hour elapsed before they got to high-five Flash — as there were many more in line who wanted to join in.

Selders, for his part, says an hour of high-fiving was plenty enough for his arm and shoulder. But he hopes the teens' record-breaking enthusiasm serve as a catalyst toward making volunteer connections.