FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Dever Elementary students and faculty took a break from classes Oct. 12, for a chance at history.
On Aug. 2, National Geographic Kids announced a collaboration with First Lady Michelle Obama to break the world record of the most people doing jumping jacks.
The organization invited schools across the nation to gather their students and time them doing the activity for one minute, between 3 p.m., Oct. 11, and 3 p.m., Oct. 12.
The nationwide jumping jacks event kicked off on the White House lawn as a part of the first lady's "Let's move campaign." More than 20,000 people were needed to participate to break the record.
Five Fort Bragg schools took part in the project, Irwin Intermediate, Devers Elementary, Holbrook Elementary, Murray Elementary and Pope Elementary schools.
"My favorite part of the event was seeing all of the excitement in the children's eyes when the volunteers (and I) walked into their classrooms," said Bonnie McMillan, physical education specialist at Dever Elementary. The sense of accomplishment it gave the students to have their time and efforts recorded really made their day, she said.
In order to be counted as a participant, the person had to do jumping jacks for a total of one minute without stopping, said McMillan. It didn't matter how many jump jacks were done just as long as the participant continued to do them throughout the full minute.
Among the major goals of the event were not only the attempts to break the record, but also a nationwide push to get Families more involved in physical activities.
"The funny thing is, they (students) are already asking me when can they jump again, said McMillan.
"The kids did a great throughout the whole day with energy and enthusiasm in each class we went to," said McMillan. "The students now are excited just waiting on the news to find out if they helped break the record. I hope we get the news soon."
Social Sharing