Carson-Dellosa Announces Top 10 Finalists in the Guinness World Records® Classroom Challenge; America's Vote Will Decide Grand Prize Winner

GREENSBORO, N.C., March 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Carson-Dellosa Publishing, LLC , in partnership with Guinness World Records, today announced the top 10 finalists in its Guinness World Records® Classroom Challenge. Now through April 3, America is encouraged to vote for the Challenge winner online at CarsonDellosa.com/record. The grand-prize winner will have the chance to break an existing record or set a new record in front of an official Guinness World Records adjudicator and will receive a $1000 Carson-Dellosa Publishing gift certificate for their school, and a 2011 Guinness World Records book for each classroom. Four finalists will receive a Carson-Dellosa Publishing gift certificate and five Guinness World Records books. As part of a daily voter giveaway, one voter will be randomly selected each day during the voting period to receive a $50 Visa gift card.

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Between January 26 and March 9, K-6 teachers across America were invited to nominate their classroom or school to break or set a Guinness World Record relating to science, math, geography, social studies or language arts. After combing through a multitude of entries from educators nationwide, the field was narrowed to 10 qualified finalists. To be considered, entries had to relate to one of the educational topics listed above and be easily incorporated into daily curriculum. The winning entry will be announced on April 4, 2011.

"We're thrilled to announce the top 10 finalists of the Carson-Dellosa Guinness World Records Classroom Challenge and equally excited that America will choose the grand-prize winner," said Josh Loew, Chief Marketing Officer, Carson-Dellosa Publishing. "The top ten entries represent a broad spectrum of creative ideas from teachers and classrooms across the country and are not only educational, but fun."

In no particular order, the 10 finalists are as follows:

• John Motley Morehead STEM Academy, Charlotte, N.C. - Donna Eastabrook nominated her students to set a new world record, largest biology lesson.

• P.S. 272, Brooklyn, N.Y. - Jennifer Quaranto nominated her students to set a new world record, largest tangram mosaic.

• Springdale Elementary School, West Columbia, S.C. - Susan Jenkinson nominated her students to break a new world record, most balloons held onto a person using static electricity.

• Quail Run Elementary School, Phoenix, Ariz. - Kari Sjursen nominated her students to break a current world record, most adults reading to children in a single location.

• Owingsville Elementary School, Owingsville, Ky. - Jessica Goldy nominated her students to break a current world record, world's longest friendship bracelet.

• Wheeling Middle School, Wheeling, W.Va. - Debbie McKay nominated her students to break a current world record, longest human electric circuit.

• Holy Family Catholic School, Broomfield, Colo. - Yolanda Pacheco nominated her students to break a current world record, largest hide-and-seek game.

• Nantucket Elementary School, Nantucket, Mass. - Janet Colby nominated her students to break a current world record, largest gathering of people dressed as storybook characters.

• Centerville-Abington Elementary School, Centerville, Ind. - Betsey Moore nominated her students to create a new world record, world's largest God's Eye.

• Tecumseh-Harrison Elementary School, Vincennes, Ind. - Jennifer Vickers nominated her students to create a new world record, largest mosaic made with recycled materials.

"It's very exciting to be working with Carson-Dellosa and their amazing educational product line.  Guinness World Records gives everyone a chance to be a part of history and what better way to do this than by helping children all over America in the classroom.  We wish all the finalists the very best of luck!" said Jennifer Gilmour, Publishing Sales & Product Manager, Guinness World Records.  

To support the Guinness World Records Classroom Challenge, Carson-Dellosa has launched Guinness World Records products, including Math and Reading Books and Creative Writing Cards, keeping children engaged and entertained with informative, intriguing and educational content.

To learn more about Carson-Dellosa, visit Facebook.com/CarsonDellosa, Twitter.com/CDPub, or YouTube.com/CarsonDellosaPub.

About Carson-Dellosa Publishing, LLC

Carson-Dellosa is a leading creator and publisher of innovative and award-winning Pre-K through Grade 8 educational media. We have been making learning fun for more than 30 years.  We provide teachers and parents from around the world with innovative solutions for their 21st century students. Our books, decoratives, games and manipulatives brighten the classroom, inspire students and are the leading choice of teachers and parents. The company's respected brands include: American Education Publishing, Spectrum, Summer Bridge Activities, Frank Schaffer, Brighter Child, Key Education, Judy Instructo, Mark Twain, and High Reach Learning.  Carson-Dellosa Publishing, LLC www.carsondellosa.com.

About Guinness World Records

Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is one of the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer's Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements.

SOURCE Carson-Dellosa Publishing, LLC