Wiscasset Middle High School’s students and staff kicked off the February vacation break with their annual Winter Carnival Friday, Feb. 14.

The morning began with an assembly in the gymnasium with advisor Deb Pooler reading out results of the poster contest. The Class of 2020 won. The senior class also took first place in the bulletin board contest. Next came the pickle spitting competition in the gym. The bragging rights went to the junior class with Matt Eckert besting senior Billy Pinkham.

Other activities included a three-point basketball shooting contest, the monkey scooter race, face painting, a frozen t-shirt contest, indoor soccer games and more. Students also got in some downhill sledding and snowshoeing but it was cold, the temperature down in the teens.

“I’ve been helping organize our Winter Carnival since 1992,” Pooler told Wiscasset Newspaper. “I really love doing it. It’s a nice break from the routine and gives students an opportunity to enjoy some fun activities with their teachers.”

Principal Chuck Lomonte was enjoying the events, too, although he politely declined an offer to take part in the pickle spitting contest featuring the school staff.

The daylong event concludes with the annual Snow Ball, a semi-formal dance in the gym where students pick a royal couple to reign for the evening.

This year’s event included the start of a new tradition, the presentation of the annual “Spirit of the Wiscasset Wolverines Award” given for supporting and promoting all student athletes. News reporters Paula Roberts of Lincoln County News and Phil Di Vece of Wiscasset Newspaper/Boothbay Register were the recipients.

“Both journalists have for decades displayed integrity, truth, and positivity in their coverage of all students, and especially student athletes. Paula and Phil write stories that reflect the positive attributes of the students and community. We are very happy to recognize these two great journalists and people!” said WMHS athletic director/assistant principal Warren Cossette.

The entire student body sang the WMHS school song that includes this verse: “For you’re the school we love the best, to serve you best will try…Rah! Rah! Rah! For Wiscasset!”