Think back to when you were just a wee tot. (Yep, that’s how we’re starting this off.) Imagine you’re on your kitchen floor surrounded by newspaper while scooping the seeds and pumpkin guts into separate bowls. I asked you to relive those horrible memories of getting yelled at for getting the goop on the floor for one reason: AN EPIC INTENSE PUMPKIN CARVING COMPETITION! 

I will be playing the judge, jury, and executioner in this competition. I am grading into six categories: most original, the pumpkin from hell, best traditional pumpkin, the funniest pumpkin, the pumpkin that wished he could, and THE MOST EPIC PUMPKIN!! We have many entries so without further ado, let’s look at some ghoulish gourds.

First, we have a horrifying pumpkin from hell carved by senior Ava Kenyon! I don’t know how you guys feel about this one, but this one scores pretty well for me! The teeth are complicated and look like they could rip your face off, the horns also are a very creative touch. Extra points for dramatic lighting!

Next, we have the classic “Pumpkin eating a pumpkin” theme. This one was submitted by junior Alivia Elphinstone. I would think this one is to be enjoyed during the day while you can still see the little pumpkin clearly. However, I think that it can still be enjoyed at night if they put a candle in it. This one is fun and classic and was very well done!

Up next, we have two pumpkins made by seniors Paige Duke and Justin Walls! We have a pretty solid Jack Skellington and a carving of (to what I’ve been informed) is a  crescent moon with a bat. I personally have gone the Jack Skellington route and can appreciate the craftsmanship. I won’t tell you who made which pumpkin, but Paige made the moon one.

A new couple carving has entered the ring! While this is a pumpkin CARVING competition, I suppose I’ll allow this turtle painted pumpkin in the running even though it looks like a scrawny necked version of The Good Dinosaur. These particular pumpkins were emailed to me by seniors Connor Mitchell and Jaden Mackie. These gracious gourds while not being the most detailed, could pull their weight if need be. I especially appreciate the left one as it has more teeth than most of the fine folk in my town.

Up next we have an impressive Iron Man carving from Mr. Sypien. On top of being a member of the beloved Rock Bottom group and our chorus director, Mr. Sypien also carves pumpkins. Because you know, why not? While I try to find where I left my self-esteem, My guy sends this work of art to me like it’s nothing. Anyway, very impressive with the expert technique of now carving all the way through and allowing some gradient through the pumpkin.

Sophomore Violet Huggins was responsible for the demon in the dark that is this next pumpkin. Upon request of the actual pumpkin that was visible, I was informed that this was the only image she had. Now you all get to see my sleep paralysis demon in this riveting competition.

This next entry is straight from the craftsmanship of Mr. Kamer. It seems apparent that Mr. Kamer has adopted a miniature Pittsburgh Zoo, so I wouldn’t be surprised if this carving was a reference straight from his porch. This one scores really high in terms of just skill. Similar to the Iron Man entry, Mr. Kamer uses the technique of shaving down the pumpkin versus cutting all the way through. Very good!

Up next, we have another entry from Alivia Elphinstone! I think this one is super cool. I like the untraditional teeth and think they look super cool lit up at night.  This one scores high as well. I think it would be better if she was able to get more light to shine through.

Up next we have a sassy little cat carving from sophomore Sarah Mitchell. I personally don’t see that many cat pumpkins anymore. I think that a black cat is synonymous with the feeling of Halloween. Very nice work!

Up next we have a very unconventional and creative entry from junior Jinelle Yohe. Jinelle  used painted ping pong balls for eyes and toothpicks for teeth. While this technique is not unheard of, the use of other mediums help enhance the creep factor of the carving! With pumpkin gut drool, needle teeth, and two bulging eyes staring at you, it is hard not to shudder at this beautiful monstrosity.

Last but not least, we have an entry from senior Leah Freehling! She has submitted a very. . . interesting carving. After watching Cale Patten trace his foot for the hand turkey contest, I have to admit that this isn’t what I wanted to see at eight in the morning. I don’t really know what in particular I have to say about this carving, so I’m just going to share this with you and you can decide if my category finalists are fair.

Now, for the winners of the awesome super-amazing-epic-awesome pumpkin contest! Here is the finished list.

Most Original: Jaden Mackie and Connor Mitchell! I personally have never seen a dinosaur pumpkin. It’s relatable in an adorable sort of way.

The Pumpkin From Hell: This one was a hard choice. I even had some of my peers from TheKnightTimes help me decide for sure just which pumpkin invoked the bigger urge to curl up in a ball and cry. The winner is a tie between Ava Kenyon and Jinelle Yohe!

The Best Traditional Pumpkin: The most classic pumpkin on our list was made by Violet Huggins! I can imagine seeing this design lining the streets as I steal candy from the kids. I mean, go trick or treating.

Funniest Pumpkin: This goes to Alivia Elphinstone! This particular entry was almost the winner of most traditional but thought that because of how well done it was and the comedic aspect earned it this top spot!

The Pumpkin That Wished he Could: This award goes to Leah Freehling! For this *cough cough* interesting entry, Leah has been awarded this high honor. Congratulations!

And now for our MOST EPIC PUMPKIN! Drum roll please! The Most Epic Pumpkin award goes to: MR. SYPIEN! For his epic carving skills and detail in his Iron Man pumpkin, he is now the winner of the Knoch News Pumpkin Carving Contest! 

With many great entries I have some honorable mentions that deserved to be named:

Mr. Kamer and his lemur pumpkin!

Justin Walls & Paige Duke with their classic gourds!

Sarah Mitchell and her adorable cat!