The Latta Middle School library program held its second annual Book Character Pumpkin Contest. Students were given the opportunity to decorate a pumpkin like a book character to receive extra credit in ELA and a chance to win cash prizes. We had an astounding 67 pumpkins submitted for the contest (20 more than last year)!

Teachers used a rubric to grade each pumpkin based on the following criteria: character accuracy, creativity, artistic craftsmanship, book connection, and overall presentation. The pumpkins with the highest total points were appointed placement. Then, teachers nominated pumpkins for the following honorable mention categories: funniest, cutest, most original, most colorful, most artistic, and most elaborate.

Latta Middle School is proud to announce the following winners:

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS:

1st Place: The Pout Pout Fish by William Skipper (6th)

2nd Place: Cinderella by Layla Legette (6th)

3rd Place: Wall-E by Luke McDaniel (6th)

4th Place: How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Liam Smith (7th)

5th Place: Sesame Street by Kyleigh Long (7th)

HONORABLE MENTION WINNERS:

Funniest: Captain Underpants by Kadeem (KJ) Kelley (8th)

Cutest: Chicken Little by Colt Nealey (7th)

Most Original: Dragon Eating Tacos by Jax Rogers (7th)

Most Colorful: Rainbow Fish by Alivia Cook (6th)

Most Artistic: The Clackity by Lena Byrd (8th)

Most Elaborate: Tow-Mater by Cassie Dailey (7th)

You may see all the submissions and winners in the linked Canva slideshow below:

2026-27 LMS Pumpkin Contest Submissions

Thank you to everyone who participated. The level of skill, talent, and dedication here at LMS is unmatched. We look forward to seeing what our students will do next year!

The grand prize and honorable mention winners are pictured below: