HOLT, Fla., Oct. 27, 2022—Teachers at Holt Academy got creative this year for Halloween by submitting an entry in the day care center’s first pumpkin decorating contest.

Voting is by write-in ballot and anyone can cast a vote—parents, Academy children, visitors—according to co-owner Lori Miller.

“Everybody who walks through the door can vote. Even the paper guy voted,” she said, referring to the person who delivers paper goods to the center.

All entries emulated a cartoon character, although that was not a requirement.

According to co-owner Lori Miller, the event was spearheaded by teacher Jessica Williams. Not all teachers submitted an entry, though. “Only those she could guilt into it,” Miller said, smiling.

With 12 entries, choosing just one proved to be difficult due to the creativity by the teachers.

While not a requirement, all entries depicted a cartoon character ranging from the superhero (Spider-Man), to Disney, anime (Pikachu), Sesame Street (Cookie Monster) and others.

Six entries paid tribute to Disney: Rapunzel; Pua and Hei Hei from “Moana,” with outrigger canoe; Winnie-the-Pooh with his nose in a honey jar; Stitch from “Lilo and Stitch”; Olaf from “Frozen” and Mickey Mouse himself.

One entry gamed the system by entering the Baby Shark family of five smaller pumpkins painted in different colors.

Clifford the Big Red Dog, complete with doghouse, and Paw Patrol rounded out the cast of characters.

The winner of the pumpkin decorating contest will be announced at tonight’s fall festival at the Academy. Attendees are current and former children and their parents.