LHS Makes History Continuing a Rich Southern Tradition
Embedded in the cultural fabric of the South, the tradition of homecoming mums carries a storied history that transcends generations. Originating from a simple gesture to honor a date for the homecoming dance, these elaborate floral and ribbon creations have evolved into a symbol of school pride and community spirit. Now, Lewisville High School, deeply entrenched in its own traditions, is etching its name in the Guinness World Records by creating a colossal homecoming mum measuring an impressive 37.5 feet. Under the guidance of Abby Winston’s three fashion design classes, the students embarked on a journey to create not just a large mum for homecoming but a record- breaking spectacle that would captivate both the school and the community.
As the students delved into the project, the idea to pursue a Guinness World Record took root, propelling them into a realm of creativity and determination. Winston, the visionary behind the project, said, “It took us about four weeks once we got started. Going through the process with Guinness is not for the faint of heart, but as we started brainstorming in class, it just all came together.” The students’ ingenuity shone through as they seamlessly integrated elements of their school’s history and tradition, including a symbolic long maroon line elegantly transferred onto a ribbon. Acquiring the materials for this monumental mum became a community effort, with Winston initiating an Amazon Wish List.
Within a week, the community responded, demonstrating profound love and support for Lewisville High School. Winston emphasized the significance of leaving a lasting mark on the school’s legacy, stating, “Lewisville High School is so deep-rooted in tradition, and so many people love this school, so once the word got out, they jumped all over it.” The process involved utilizing 12-inch satin table ribbons, each stretching an impressive 30 feet. The students applied their knowledge of design principles, proportion, and fabric selection to craft this intricate masterpiece. Winston expressed pride in her students, noting that the project not only honed their design skills but also instilled real- world problem-solving and teamwork abilities.
While the Guinness World Record for the largest homecoming mum currently stands at 22 feet in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Lewisville High School’s feat surpasses this record, standing as a testament to the collaborative spirit between students and educators. Reflecting on the achievement as a collective effort, Winston stated, “Everybody working together and being on board, for a teacher, I can’t think of anything that would make me more proud.” As the vibrant mum takes its place in history, Winston hopes it instills a renewed sense of pride among the students and the community, signifying that Lewisville High School has left an indelible mark on the long maroon line and continues to uphold the rich tradition of homecoming mums in the South.
photo courtesy of starlocalmedia.com
