From left: Greene County High School students Knicklaus Bowman, Andre Pope and Jenna Mayo created the winning submission in the second annual Lake Oconee Dentistry Pumpkin Decorating Contest.

GREENSBORO, Ga. — Greene County High School (GCHS) took first prize in the recent Pumpkin Decorating Contest sponsored by Lake Oconee Dentistry. The winning entry featured two pumpkins decorated as the lead characters from the Tim Burton movie “The Corpse Bride” and earned a total of 270 likes on Facebook. As the contest winner, GCHS will receive $400 for its art department and $100 to be split among the three student decorators: Knicklaus Bowman, Andre Pope and Jenna Mayo.

“I am so proud of these students,” said GCHS Art Teacher Kim Fleming. “They are so talented and worked hard to make these pumpkins great.”

Fleming said she is planning to use the prize money to purchase a pottery wheel for the classroom.

“We’ve had many students show a great interest in clay and sculpture. They have done hand building but have never experienced pottery on a wheel. Using a potter’s wheel requires concentration, patience, and a firm — but gentle — hand. I am excited to offer my students a safe place to practice and learn these skills.”

 

Lake Oconee Dentistry approached local art teachers back in early October, offering each teacher up to two pumpkins for their students to carve or decorate. Teachers submitted pictures of the completed pumpkins, which were then posted on the Lake Oconee Dentistry Facebook page from Oct. 21through Oct. 29. During that time, visitors to the page were encouraged to “like” their favorite pumpkin. The school pumpkin that received the most likes would be the winner. Participating schools included Greene County High School, Putnam County Middle School, Gatewood Lower and Upper Schools, and Lake Oconee Academy Lower School. 

“The creativity displayed in all the entries was amazing, and the competition was really exciting,” said Dr. David Bradley, co-owner of Lake Oconee Dentistry. “We’re glad we could provide another fun, creative opportunity for these students to showcase their talent, and we’re delighted to be able to support and encourage art education in our community.”