On October 17, 2024, BridgeValley Community & Technical College, with the support of sponsors TC Energy and AEP, celebrated the 25th Annual Capitol City Pumpkin Drop at Go Mart Ball Park. The event saw 20 schools compete in a fun STEM challenge, where students crafted contraptions to protect their pumpkins as they were dropped from 50 feet in the air by BridgeValley’s Utility Linemen students using the college’s lift truck.
Local radio personality Steve Zubrzycki ("Steve Z") of 98.7 WCST-FM graciously served as the Emcee, adding extra excitement to the day’s events. Surviving pumpkins were measured for their proximity to a target, and awards were given for the top-performing teams across elementary, middle, and high school divisions. Additional awards recognized creativity and sustainability, with the Grand Slam-winning team receiving $200.
This year's winners: Elementary:
- New River – Team #1
- Leon Elementary – Team #2
Middle:
- East Fairmont – Team #3
- East Fairmont – Team #2
- Walton Middle – Team #2
High:
- Riverside – Team #2
- Saint Albans – Team #2
- Bumblebee STEM – Team #3
Other Categories:
• Most Creative Design: Saint Albans – Team #2
• Most Sustainable Design: Tug Valley – Team #1
• Grand Slam Winner: Riverside – Team #2
With the help of volunteers and the City of Charleston, which provided trash pickup services, the event was a smashing success! BridgeValley is proud to continue inspiring creativity, teamwork, and hands-on STEM learning through this beloved tradition.