Moriches Elementary Great Pumpkin Contest Shows Artistic Talent

Press release from William Floyd School District:

Nov. 14, 2021

The Moriches Elementary School community recently participated in the school’s 42nd annual “Great Pumpkin” contest, which provides students and their families with the fun opportunity to carve and decorate pumpkins into original artwork for judging by faculty and staff members. The contest, administered by Moriches Elementary art teacher Amanda Maertz, invited students and their families to come up with their own original designs. Entrants were then judged based on creativity, originality and craftsmanship.

“I love having the opportunity to allow my students and their families to show off their incredible artistic talent and bring them together for some festive fun,” said Ms. Maertz. “It's a great way to bring the whole Moriches community together and I'm so thankful to Ms. Tucci and the awesome art teachers that came before me for starting this contest, which I hope to continue for many, many more years at Moriches.”

This year’s winners are: “Spooky BBQ” by Juliana Rivera, first place; “Carousel” by Colby and Robert Delboy, second place; and “Pumpkin Puppy” by Richard Ruhs, third place. Honorable mentions include: “Pinocchio” by Gabriella, Kayleigh and Anthony Scheifele; “Horse-drawn Carriage” by Milanya Ingarra; and “Candy Apple” by Rylee Risolo (pictured in the collage clockwise from top left).

The Moriches Elementary School “Great Pumpkin” contest is a beloved annual tradition for students and their families started in 1978 by former art teachers Linda Tucci and Susan Safranek.

This press release was produced by William Floyd School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.