580 Michigan Students Attempt World Record For Largest Minion Gathering

Walnut Creek Middle School in West Bloomfield Township assembled 580 students dressed as Minions on Thursday. They aimed to shatter the world record. The previous record was 419.

Students donned yellow shirts, blue overalls and goggles to mimic the characters from the Despicable Me and Minions movies. The school's hallways brimmed with participants who greeted each other with "Bello," which translates to hello in the fictional language these animated creatures speak.

Seth Taboh, the school's principal, said the idea materialized after a quick search revealed the existing record. With over 900 students enrolled, he felt confident the school could demolish the mark.

The Parent Teacher Student Association donated 200 costumes. This made sure all students could participate in the event. Taboh thanked the organization for making it possible so every child could join, no matter their family's financial situation.

"I want to thank our PTSA for donating those 200 costumes, that was huge for our community. There's a lot of kids that would not have been able to participate without those donations," said Taboh according to WXYZ.

Students said the shared costume approach eliminated typical Halloween stress and drama. Lily Taboh, a seventh grader, pointed out how the group effort sparked unity among classmates who might otherwise feel left out when picking partners or coordinating outfits.

Genevieve Matti, an eighth grader, said the donation program made the experience special. Nora Taboh, a sixth grader, said seeing teachers and classmates dressed alike brought everyone together.

Principal Taboh said staff members hurled bananas at kids during the event and joked about stealing the moon. These were references to plot points from the film franchise. The timing came one day before Halloween.

The school expects to hear from Guinness World Records in the next few weeks. Will the attempt earn official recognition? The organization will verify the count and confirm if the gathering broke the existing mark.