By Rosie Smith
On October 30, students filled the Robert Fanning Library with their decorated pumpkins based on literary characters for the annual Literary Pumpkin Decorating Contest sponsored by the English Department. Pumpkins were judged by English teachers and were also on display throughout Halloween for the school.
Every year during October, students get the chance to participate in the contest to showcase their literary and artistic skills by painting characters or scenes from books on pumpkins. Participating in the contest also allows students the opportunity for extra credit in their English class and if they win, there is a cash prize ranging from $20 for first place to $5 awards for grade level honorable mentions.
The overall winners include first place senior Molly Armstrong, second place freshman Audrey Hansen, third place: junior Lindsey Brown. The winners for each grade level include senior Kiersten Bernard, junior Coleton Loewenstein, sophomore Abigail Mason, freshman Jaxon Wilhelm.
Librarian Mrs. Chelsea Almer said she enjoys walking around and looking at all the pumpkins. “I love that it has grown, and I love seeing all the creativity,” she said. At the end of the contest, most students forget to come and pick up their pumpkins, and not wanting to be wasteful, Almer shared that she took some of the pumpkins home and displayed them around her front yard as decoration. “It was so neat to see little kids walking by and looking at the pumpkins,” she added.
English teacher Andrea Wheeler shared her thoughts on the benefits gained from the contest. As a teacher, Wheeler said the best part for her was the different perspective of creativity. “It’s cool to see the way that students can express themselves in a different format, and I appreciate that,” she said.
Wheeler also recognized that for some students it is an opportunity to share their creativity and for others, a challenge to fit into their schedule “just to add one more thing you know, to do. I’m sure that’s a challenge,” she added. She also shared that the contest is a way to entertain students through learning. “It’s important to have those positive experiences associated with English class,” she said.
