Holly Holland(IV)
Holly Bourgeois Holland won a contest, put on by TV Guide in 1998, called "Create Your Own Arthur Episode!" It sought ideas from kids for an episode of the hit PBS Kids show, Arthur (1996). The grand prize: the winner's story becomes an episode of the show. Eight-year-old Holly Bourgeois Holland of Canadian, Oklahoma, entered the contest. She loved to read and wanted to be a writer when she grew up. "I thought participating would be fun because you get a certificate. I wrote a story about that."
Holly's winning idea was chosen from more than 10,000 entries. She was almost disqualified when her mother forgot to sign the release form. After a call from TV Guide, the form was faxed and Holly learned she was the winner. "I was really excited because I've never won a contest before. And I was really happy, and as soon as I got home, I started dancing around the house," Holly said.
Judy Matthews, senior publicist for Arthur, said the competition was tough, and Holly's entry was chosen for its originality, creativity and spirit. Episode #404 called The Contest/Prove It (1999) was broadcast on September 27, 1999. Holly's story involved Arthur entering "The Contest" about his favorite cartoon character. It all started when Arthur and his friends were in the park when they saw Buster writing a story for the "Andy and Company" contest. His friends decided to participate in the contest with their own stories. Five years later, the results are finally in and the gang is shocked when they find out that Holly Holland from Oklahoma had won. The stories the characters wrote were from the other finalists of the contest that Holly won.
Today Holly Holland still lives in Oklahoma. You can see her interview after she won the contest on YouTube. In the introduction to her current Facebook page, she writes, "AND before you direct message me....YES, I am Holly Holland from Arthur."