As (hopefully) many of you saw, during this year’s Homecoming week, there was a big mum on the wall hanging near the attendance building— if you did not see it, maybe it is time to either get new glasses or stop walking with your head buried in your phone.

Our community, always hungry for interesting topics, was abuzz with questions about the giant mum. ‘How big is it?’ ‘How was it made?’ ‘Who made it?’ The curiosity was evident, and here are the answers. 

Our very own Joeann Martinez, who is a clinic assistant in the nurse’s office, made the giant mum. 

“I wanted to get the students more involved in homecoming and to bring more cheer into this event,” said Ms. Martinez when asked what her incentive was. The giant mum, a symbol of our school spirit, was a perfect way to do this. 

We found out that the top part of the mum is 5×5 feet, while the bottom half (ribbon part) is eight feet long. 

“It brings it to roughly 14 feet long,” said Ms. Martinez. “And the weight is about 150 pounds.”

With these monstrous measurements, our kind janitors had to help her put it up. Eventually, and after some back pain, they got it up there for everyone to see and enjoy. 

The mum’s inspiration, a TikTok video that caught Mrs. Martinez’s eye, instantly sparked her creativity. She saw the potential to adapt it to our Churchill theme, and she did so with exceptional skill. 

As she embarks on her second year at Churchill, Mrs. Martinez is determined to foster a sense of community and school spirit.

Let’s continue to show our school spirit and make the giant mum a cherished tradition at Churchill.