The IES Luis Diego Cuscoy, Cabo Blanco Secondary School (Arona), is set to make it into the record books. Ángel Martel, a teacher in the Physical Education department and tutor of a Baccalaureate group, observed that his class was lacking motivation and was divided. He then decided to establish a common goal for his students. According to the teacher, “there is nothing more rewarding than taking on a challenge and surpassing it to create bonds,” prompting Martel to brainstorm various options to unite his class. Ultimately, he set his sights on a lofty target: breaking a Guinness World Record, a feat he accomplished with 100 students standing up, successfully keeping 135 balloons in the air without dropping a single one.
Soledad Betancor, the vice principal of the school, shares the accomplishment of her students with pride, acknowledging that such achievements do not happen every day. “The department selected several records to break, and the students chose the most attainable one. To achieve this, each student had to juggle two balloons, one in each hand,” explains Betancor. “The concept was widely embraced within the institution, with students from other classes also participating.
There was tremendous enthusiasm, and after solidifying the group, they progressed to rehearsals,” she recounts. Soledad underscores that “it was not as straightforward as it might appear,” as it required psychomotor skills to come into play. She explains, “while some students quickly grasped the technique, others required more practice.”
The Guinness World Records organisation upholds stringent standards. To secure a spot in their renowned book, a substantial amount of evidence must be provided. Initially, the “record holders” require witnesses to authenticate the achievement, along with documented proof to verify the accomplishment. In this instance, the Arona City Council was called upon to participate, and the record was validated by the Sports Councillor, Luis Sierra Ladrero, and the Mayor’s First Deputy, Clara María Pérez Pérez. Soledad elaborates, “We also needed an independent witness, and thus, we invited a member of the Local Police to oversee the event.”
VALIDATION PROCESS
The vice principal expresses satisfaction with the students’ efforts, deeming it “one of the most significant days for our school. We not only broke the record but managed to keep 179 balloons afloat, surpassing the set mark by a large margin. Nearly everyone successfully handled two balloons, with only a handful touching the ground.” With the submission of videos and other examinations completed, the next step involves the Guinness World Records organisation’s rigorous verification process. Soledad adds with a smile, “If they confirm it, we will find our place in the next edition of the book.”
She highlights that “the primary goal was achieved: to enhance the classroom atmosphere. Through this initiative, we aimed for students to embrace values, collaborate, and attain a shared objective. Thanks to them and their mentor, the school has accomplished something of great significance, destined to be etched in history. However, for us, the true essence lies in the lessons learnt throughout this journey: during practices, meetings, and the jubilation. That, to us, is the real achievement,” Soledad concludes.
