The “Best Prom in America” just got even better, thanks to special recognition by the Guinness World Records team!
After carefully documenting the process that led to the creation of the largest mural of kisses, or lip prints, Pennsbury High School administrators were notified by the Guinness World Records team that their school’s 3D mural of kisses, which spelled out the words ROCK MUSIC with a 3D guitar centerpiece – a visual highlight in the gym at the Pennsbury High School Senior Prom on June 1st — was designated the world’s largest. The previous record, set in 2012 in Brazil, featured a total of 13,316 kisses. Pennsbury’s effort shattered that record with a whopping 41,692 kisses spread tightly across a 63’ long, 11’ high mural. The centerpiece guitar shape stood 18.’
The announcement was met with thunderous applause at the 2019 Pennsbury Commencement ceremony held at Falcon Field on the evening of June 11th. Pennsbury High School East Principal, Reggie Meadows, shared the news during his speech to the graduates.
The record-breaking effort was pitched to Mr. Meadows nearly a year ago by Pennsbury parents, Gary and Amy Nolan, whose daughter, Melanie, was entering her senior year. Gary Nolan is a Guinness World Record holder himself, having run the fastest marathon in a Colonial American costume. Momentum built as the year progressed, and the Nolans led the charge to accumulate tens of thousands of lip prints from students, parents, alumni, teachers, administrators, and community members interested in helping to achieve the goal.
The 63-foot mural of kisses was created by volunteer students, led by Pennsbury Prom Co-Chairs Mollie Nellist and Savannah Fuhrmann, with assistance from Prom Co-Chair, Angelica Ramirez. The mural was one of the spotlight features in the gym, where the all-star talent takes center stage and the students dance the night away. Following tradition, the community was invited inside the high school to view the school’s elaborate decorations the day of the prom from noon until 3:00 p.m. The mural of kisses was also one of the highlights of that daytime tour.
Faculty advisors for the 2019 Pennsbury Prom were Tony Napoli and Curtis May. These dedicated teachers also played a prominent role in helping to achieve the goal of earning a World Record for the high school.
Congratulations, PHS!