Concord – The pumpkin will be New Hampshire’s state fruit, Gov. John Lynch said yesterday.

Minutes after the Senate passed the pumpkin bill, 23-1, Lynch promised a group of Harrisville elementary students he’ll sign the bill as soon as it goes through the Secretary of State’s office, and he’ll do it in their town.

The youngsters applauded Lynch’s announcement. They’ve worked since last fall at getting the pumpkin named the state fruit, and fought off efforts by apple lobbyists and others who argued right up until yesterday that the strawberry ought to be the state’s top fruit.

“I knew it was going to pass because of all the lobbying and all the hard work we did,” said Galena Walker, a third-grader at Wells Memorial School.

Lynch congratulated the students, saying many people work hard to pass legislation and run into roadblocks they can’t get past.

Wells Memorial Elementary School teacher Kathleen Frick said the idea came to the class after they read a story about Florida Gov. Jeb Bush signing legislation declaring the orange the Florida state fruit.

They wondered whether New Hampshire had a state fruit. After a little research, the students found out it didn’t and went to work.

Frick said the students contacted legislators, sent mail to other fourth graders around the state urging them to contact their lawmakers and made several trips to the State House to testify in favor of their bill.

The sole opposing vote came from Sen. Robert Boyce, R-Alton, who said the students spent too much time in Concord and that the pumpkin is not a native fruit to New Hampshire.

Frick said after the vote the time was well spent. The class learned plenty about state government while engaging in activities like small group work and brainstorming they do as a part of their regular school work, she said. New Hampshire studies is part of fourth-grade curriculum statewide, she noted.

Before he made his announcement, Lynch asked whether the students knew if he’d sign the bill.

“We know you will because we’ve done a lot of work and a lot of testifying. Plus, you’re really nice,” said Daniel Townsend.