Amanda-Clearcreek Staff Members Share a Combined Six Decades of Volunteering as Circleville Pumpkin Show Orange Jackets

   
AMANDA, Ohio (October 19, 2026) – Three staff members of Amanda-Clearcreek Local Schools (A-C) share a combined 59 years of volunteering at the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Bryan Sowers, district maintenance; Leslie Hatfield, intervention teacher at A-C High School; and Calee Sowers, second-grade teacher at A-C Primary, are real-world examples of the importance of community involvement for the district’s students.
 
Circleville Pumpkin Show volunteers, known admirably as Orange Jackets, are an essential staple of the annual event. According to the Circleville Pumpkin Show’s website, the event’s guests represent dozens of states and multiple countries, with an estimated 400,000 total visitors over its four days.
 
“The Amanda-Clearcreek community is known for its community involvement and volunteerism, which is an important life skill that we incorporate into our district on a regular basis,” said Dr. Timothy Edwards, superintendent of Amanda-Clearcreek Local Schools. “Our staff, parents and community lead our students by example, and Leslie, Bryan and Calee are excellent examples of the importance of being involved in the community and working together to pull off a huge project for both locals and traveling attendees to enjoy.”
 
Leslie Hatfield has volunteered as part of the parade committee for 24 years, which involves year-round dedication from a dedicated team. Her role includes assembly, coordination and logistics of parade floats and participants, including bands, queens, Little Miss candidates, babies, animals and everything in between.
Bryan Sowers has volunteered for more than two decades and is involved in numerous facets of the show. He helps build the renowned pumpkin pyramid and works closely with pumpkin growers throughout the event. He coordinates elements of the weigh-ins, competitions and transport of pumpkins for the parade. He is also involved in the Pumpkin Show Queen’s Committee, which has numerous year-round responsibilities.  
 
Calee Sowers began volunteering with her father, Rob Febes, while she was in middle school and has served as an official volunteer since 2012 as part of the Queen’s Committee. Calee works alongside several family members to chaperone the queens to festivals around the state, hold contestant and queen meetings, coordinate logistics and decorate for the contest and parades, collaborate with local businesses for donations and prize baskets for the winners, and coordinate many other facets related to the Queen’s contests.
 
For more information about Amanda-Clearcreek Local Schools, visit www.amanda.k12.oh.us or follow the district on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Amanda.Clearcreek.Schools. For more information about the Circleville Pumpkin Show, visit www.pumpkinshow.com.