Clara Barton students produce pink pumpkins to raise breast cancer awareness
More than 150 Clara Barton Elementary students decorated pumpkins with sparkles, feathers and shades of paint not usually associated with Halloween.
West Mifflin Area youngsters in kindergarten through third grade took part in the school's inaugural “Pretty in Pink” contest to celebrate the fall tradition of pumpkin decorating while recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Clara Barton PTA gave every child a small pumpkin and asked them to be creative and think pink. They made everything from pigs and flamingos to jeweled queens and bedazzled breast cancer ribbons.
“We were overwhelmed by all of the amazing pink pumpkins,” teacher Megan Reynolds said. “We hope to make this a yearly event to raise awareness for breast cancer.”
Some students focused on their favorite characters while others honored survivors.
“This project let the kids show their creative side while supporting research for breast cancer and a local scholarship fund in our district,” teacher Sean Patrick said.
Students purchased pink ribbons for a giving tree, donating more than $300 to the Amy Zlokas Memorial Scholarship Fund at West Mifflin Area High School.
Winning designers were kindergartners Aniya Taylor and Max Schleehauf, first-graders Maylanna Fenwick and Sareil Ogletree, second-graders Kyla Karasinski and Patrick Simbeck, and third-graders Victoria Caldwell and Lucas Stewart.
Honorable mentions went to kindergartners Isabella Becze and Taylor Krivanek; first-graders Allie Black, Cody Thornton, Hailee Goonetilleke and Grayson Wierzchowski; second-graders Lily Zeitlman, Ryan Graham and Ricardo Lizarraga; and third-graders Tommy Exacustides and Lucas Exacustides.
Teacher Heidi McCracken said staff and parents were amazed by students' fantastic ideas.
“They tied the fun of Halloween in with a great cause,” McCracken said. “They all did a great job.”
Winners will have a pizza party with principal Noelle Haney, who is a cancer survivor.
“The children here are very loving and caring,” Haney said. “They have big hearts and they always support every cause we take on.”
Clara Barton Elementary has raised funds for Jamie's Dream Team, Autism Speaks and several pediatric cancer organizations.
Jennifer R. Vertullo is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-664-9161 , ext. 1956, or jvertullo@tribweb.com.
