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Pumpkins encourage competition
Patch to benefit school art funds
Pumpkin Patch pic
Ethan Andrews pays John Lundy his quarter to vote for his favorite pumpkin, while Ruby Tinsley looks over his shoulder. - photo by David Renner Dawson Community News

For the second year, Robinson Elementary's entryway is full of pumpkins.

The pumpkin patch project, headed by art teacher John Lundy, is raising money to help his department stay supplied.

"This is my second year teaching and doing this patch," Lundy said. "Last year we did a good job, so this year I'd thought we'd try it again."

Lundy said he got the idea from his twin brother, Chris, who works with the COMPASS program at Black's Mill Elementary.

"My brother did it a few years ago when he taught here and just had the teachers do them," he said. "Now we do them all in class. Everyone seems to like that better."

Students begin the process by voting on the design they like best to represent their class.

"Every class in the school makes one, so there are about 30 pumpkins up," Lundy said.

The students then cast votes for their favorite pumpkin for $.25 each. The winning class wins an ice cream party.

Teacher and parents also bid on the pumpkins in a silent auction.

"We're up to almost $400 now," Lundy said. "Some people have bid over $40 for some pumpkins."

All the funds raised go to the Robinson Elementary Art Department for materials and other supplies.