Vilonia Primary School hoping for a record

VILONIA Gaining an entry into the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records requires a gigantic effort.

Whether they make or break a record or not, the Vilonia Primary School will be stepping forth with the planting of 2,008 tulips at 10:31 a.m. Friday.

"We are asking for help. We need 2,008 people to help us plant," Ratliff said, explaining the ground work for the project will be done prior to the planting.

An invitation, he said, is extended to organizations and groups as well as individuals to help with the all-out blooming effort.

The tulips are being donated by Home Depot and the ground work, allowing the planting of the tulips in a continuous bed framing the campus, is being donated by John Reed of Reed's Nursery in Vilonia.

"What we need is folks to drop tulip bulbs at exactly the same time," he explained.

Of course, Ratliff said, the 500-plus students at the school as well as some 60 staff members and parents will be helping with the event.

"But, that's not enough people for a project that will be a reminder for kids for years to come," Ratliff said.

Thus, he hopes some organizations will volunteer.

"I know there are master gardeners, senior citizens centers and others who might help if they hear about this," he offered.

The planting will be the final event ending Red Ribbon Week at the school. Referred to as the "plant the promise," project, a bell will be sounded prior to the planting to recognize some prominent people who have given their lives in the war against drugs followed with the planting of bulbs in a simultaneous effort.

The planting of the tulips, school officials said, is a symbol of hope and "a great reminder of the beauty of life when it is drug free."

Ratliff hopes when students see the campus in bloom during the spring and for "years to come" the students will remember the reason.

"It will be great if they can drive by the school in the spring for years to come and turn next to the one with them in the car and say I was a part of that effort," Ratliff said. "And, of course, to remember their pledge to be drug free."

Also, he said, he has contacted Guinness Book of World Records in hopes the effort will be recognized.

"That will just be just some awesome added frosting on the cake," he said.

Those wanting to participate need to call the school at 796-2018 for pre-registration and additional details.