Second-Grader Organizes Effort to Break Guinness Record

For second-grader Sheridan Ameo, Wednesday’s K-5 recess classes at Woodland School represented the culmination of an inspiration that she could inspire her community to play a role in breaking the Guinness World Records title for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period.

“We need 20,000 to break the record and this is really going to help,” Ameo said Wednesday afternoon about the magazine's "Let's Jump!" campaign as classes of children mobilized in the school gym, one class at a time, throughout the morning. 

“Let’s Jump!” supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign, which encourages kids and families to get healthy and active. Earlier Wednesday morning, Mrs. Obama kicked off the 24-hour period with one minute of jumping jacks at the White House.

To break the record, more than 20,000 people worldwide were required to complete one minute of jumping jacks in events occurring between 3 pm October 11 and 3 pm on October 12.

Under Ameo’s guidance, approximately 320 students and instructors at Woodland participated.  

Ameo’s inspiration to take part in the challenge came from reading an issue of National Geographic Kids magazine in which she found a solicitation to participate in the nationwide event. 

”First I  thought about getting our brownie troops to do it, then I thought what about our class? Then I thought, I’d like to get the school to do it,” Ameo said.

So she quickly fired off a letter to Dr. Chris Huss, Woodland’s principal, who in turn asked her to take the lead in getting the event organized.

Soon after, Ameo was tasked with selecting six volunteer monitors to have the role of verifying the number of kids participating correct completion of jumping jacks. Each participant has to complete as many jumping jacks and possible in one minute without stopping.

She chose well. Her first request was to Mayor Gary DiNardo, followed by the Warren Public Library, the recreation department and others her family knew. When all was said and done, the six volunteer monitors were: Mary DiNardo and his wife, first lady Jamie DiNardo, Warren Library Youth Services Director Antonette D'Orazio, township committee candidates George Lazo and residents Mick Marion, and John Ray. 

“This is a great idea,” Mayor DiNardo said. “Personally I was thrilled that she invited me. To get all these kids involved in what first Lady Michelle Obama is doing is really great. I am really proud of Warren Township and Woodland School. It’s an honor to be here.”