Principal Keeps Pig Kissing Promise

Students at on Ohman Avenue had some special visitors on Friday afternoon.

Daisy II (Datu) the new “World’s Most Famous Pig,” buddy Lily the Pug and Farmer Paul Minor stopped by so Principal Kathi Cutler could keep a promise, after the students fulfilled their obligation to read 1,000 books in a two month period.

The seventh and eighth graders were split up into teams and took on the challenge to hit the books. If they successfully completed 1,000 books between Feb. 8 and April 8, the new principal said she would kiss the pig.

On Friday, before the entire student body, Librarian Jennifer Bashara announced that the total books read was 1,287, earning the school a visit from Farmer Minor and his book loving animals.

The assembly began with the students sitting on the gymnasium floor, cooing over the two cute animals in baby strollers up on stage.

Farmer Minor gave a brief history of Daisy I and Daisy II, (who is actually a boy) and Lily Pug.

He said that Daisy became the first pig ever invited inside the U.S. Capitol while on her first National Tour in 2002. She had hundreds of library cards from libraries and schools across the U.S. and Datu already has his own extensive collection, along with three “Keys to Cities,” proclamations and certificates.

Farmer Minor brings his big white wooden rocking chair, copies of Daisy's newspaper articles on boards and a variety of pig books and relaxes between his two companions onstage.

When he was done with his presentation, Farmer Minor demonstrated for Ms Cutler the best way to approach Daisy for their smooch, which she did without hesitation.

“I am so proud of the kids for the work they did,” she said.

Cutler was followed by Vi Gibbons, Jennifer Bashara and a stream of teachers who kissed Daisy’s head as a way to demonstrate their appreciation for the students’ reading accomplishments.

At one point the children chanted, “Mr. Fo-ley, Mr. Fo-ley,” hoping that he would show Daisy some love, but he waved his hands and said, “No, no, no,” to disappointed moans.

As the students exited the assembly, they too had the opportunity to meet Daisy and Lily.

The winning group was Team Y with 468 books among them, next, Team X with 348 books, then Team T with 249 and Team S which read 123 books. Teachers and staff rounded out the number with an extra 102 books.

Team Y also wins an Ice Cream Party to be served at a later date.