1st Annual Heroes Pumpkin Drop
On October 31st, Heroes Elementary brought STEAM learning to life with its first-ever Pumpkin Drop, combining engineering, creativity, and community spirit. Students from PreK through 5th grade gathered under clear skies to witness the culmination of a week-long challenge. With the help of Camp Lejeune's fire department's ladder truck, pumpkins were dropped from 50 feet as students eagerly watched to see if their designs would protect their orange cargo.
The event showcased Heroes' commitment to collaborative learning. Students in PreK–1st grade partnered with peers in grades 2–5 to form cross-grade teams. 2nd-5th students engineered protective structures for their pumpkins.
Dr. Edwards, STEAM coordinator, developed the idea of a transport challenge for PreK–1st–grade students, tasking them with delivering the 2nd–5th–grade engineering structures to the drop site. The event began with a festive wagon parade, showcasing each team's creativity and highlighting the collaboration between younger and older students. 1st-grade student Sophia Miller said, “I liked that we got to design the cart for our pumpkin. I liked working with the 4th graders when we were making the design for the cart.”
Students explored the pumpkin life cycle and farming practices to seasonal economics and environmental sustainability. Reading, science, and engineering were seamlessly integrated into the project, with materials sourced from recycled or eco-friendly supplies brought from home or found in classrooms.
Heroes staff participated in a professional development session that mirrored the student challenge; using watermelons instead of pumpkins. This hands-on experience allowed educators to model expectations, collaboration, and prepare for student implementation.
Principal Kristy Fountain said, “Before launching the Pumpkin Drop with students, our staff experienced a hands-on Melon Drop simulation during our school improvement day. It was engaging and collaborative! Watching the idea evolve from staff excitement to a full community event was a proud moment. Activities like this foster real-world problem-solving and perseverance—exactly how we want our students to learn.”
The Heroes PTO donated all the pumpkins. Families, staff, and district leaders—including Mid-Atlantic Superintendent Mr. Ryan Smith and Camp Lejeune Community Superintendent Dr. Andrea Marr—joined to cheer on the young engineers and serve as guest judges.
3rd-grade student Natalie Newman said, "Watching the pumpkin drop was very exciting, but everyone was scared the pumpkin would break. I learned that more cushion on the bottom will help the pumpkin not break. My favorite part was decorating and making the artwork for our class structure. We had to work together to develop the plan for the pumpkin structure. We even got to share it with kindergartners, and they helped make our design."
With the success of this year's Pumpkin Drop, Heroes is already planning to expand the challenge next year with new creative elements and learning opportunities. The event exemplifies the school's dedication to hands-on STEAM education, environmental responsibility, and community partnership.
