Carver’s R.A.M.S. Afterschool Program at Roton Middle School celebrated fall in full color this year with a joyful and wildly creative Pumpkin Painting Contest, led by Dean Vaccaro, National Board Certified Teacher of U.S. History (Grade 8) and Carver’s R.A.M.S. Program Director. What began as an Arts & Crafts lesson in design techniques blossomed into a dazzling display of imagination, humor, and artistic flair across all three grades.

Thanks to Springdale Florist in Darien, which once again provided high-quality pumpkins, every student had the chance to create something unique. Using everything from paint and fabric to mixed media and embellishments, students crafted pumpkins that were spooky, funny, elegant—and occasionally laugh-out-loud surprising.

After the artwork was completed, students cast votes for their favorites in each category. Winners were announced during our festive Fall Harvest Bingo & Celebration, where certificates were awarded and applause filled the room.

🏆 2025 Pumpkin Painting Contest Winners

Spookiest Pumpkin: Isabella Otero, Grade 8
Funniest Pumpkin: Jacob Morales Martinez, Grade 7
Most Creative Pumpkin: Bruno Huacca, Grade 6
Prettiest Pumpkin: Logan Wojcik, Grade 6
Best Pumpkin Overall: Dylan Mercado Gallardo, Grade 8

Each student proudly brought their pumpkin home as a holiday decoration—a gift for their families and a reminder of their creativity and hard work.

Congratulations to all our talented artists, and special thanks to Dean Vaccaro for inspiring another round of seasonal fun and to Springdale Florist for supporting our students year after year.

Carver kids continue to show that when creativity meets opportunity, they can make magic! 🎃✨