Chicago school sets new ‘high-five’ world record

NEW YORK - Students of a high school in Chicago have reportedly broken the world record for the most “high-fives” in an hour.

Hoffman Estates High School students slapped high-fives a total of 1,363 times in an hour during an outdoor assembly in their school, The Chicago Tribune reported.

Officials from the Guinness Book of World Records are, however, yet to recognise the attempt.

The previous record was 409, set almost four years ago in Oregon.

Brian Selders, superintendent of development for the school’s recreation association, which offers recreation opportunities to children and adults with disabilities, stood dressed in a purple school mascot costume at the gate of the high school’s football field.

Students came in and each one gave Selders a high-five. As time went by, Selders started to wince at each slap’s impact, his hand turning red.

It did not take long - just around 30 minutes - for the record-breaking high-five, slapped by student Virginia Green, 15.

“Today was really, really fun,” Green said, grinning.

Justin Sienkiewicz, communications coordinator for the association, said the group came up with the idea to break the record as a way to spread the word about the need for volunteers.

“A lot of our programmes rely on volunteers,” he said. “And a lot of volunteers come from high schools.”

Students at the high school receive class credit for volunteering, the organisers said.

Sienkiewicz said they will send a video of the attempt to Guinness to apply to become the new record holder.

An independent videographer, a timer and a counter are required to make the attempt valid, according to Guinness standards.