Students Collect 2,102 Signatures to Break World Record

A yearbook became the canvas for history when students at St. Theresa's Catholic High School collected 2,102 signatures at the Midland Butter Tart Festival, beating the previous world record by 200 signatures.

The record attempt was the grand finale of the school's Thunder Book of Records project. Every student participated throughout the year in record-inspired challenges that were documented in their yearbook.

Yearbook advisor Justin Lajner confirmed the unofficial count after Saturday's festival. The team now waits for Guinness World Records to review their submission and make it official, a process that could take up to 12 weeks.

Head editor Olivia deMunnik volunteered countless hours after her yearbook class ended to prepare for the big day. She called the record attempt the highlight of her Grade 12 year.

The timing proved perfect. The Butter Tart Festival drew hundreds of visitors who enthusiastically stopped to sign the yearbook and cheer on the students.

The Ripple Effect

What started as a creative yearbook project transformed into a community celebration. Festival goers didn't just add their names to a book; they became part of a story about young people dreaming big and following through.

The students learned that breaking records takes more than a single day of effort. It requires planning, teamwork, and the courage to ask an entire community for help.

Their success shows what happens when schools give students permission to attempt something extraordinary. A simple yearbook became a testament to what teenagers can accomplish when they set ambitious goals.

Now the waiting begins, but the students have already won something bigger than official recognition. They proved that with creativity and community support, even a small town can make global news.