Beard-growing and fundraising efforts of six teachers and administrators at Heinsburg Community School were celebrated on Thursday, when students, staff and guests cheered on the parade of furry-faced fellows as they made their way to the front of the school’s auditorium, to the strains of pig-themed music.
Principal Darcy Younghans welcomed the crowd, which included his parents, aunt and brother, to the Kiss the Pig Ceremony. Assistant principal Robert MacDonald told the assembly that the proceeds from the month-long endeavour would go to Haying in the ’30s Cancer Support Society to assist cancer victims and their families.
“The responsibility of the community rests on all of us,” school trustee Darrell Younghans added. “Today’s community is part of a bigger community… and we make our whole world a better place to be. Kudos to the participants and their supporters for community spirit that extends far beyond the walls of this school.”
“The votes are in and the money has been counted,” office administrator Marie Zayac said as the totals appeared on the screen for Younghans, MacDonald, assistant principal Philip Ng and teachers Keith Dawson, Daniel Peterson and Richard Cross. “Who will be the person to kiss this poor innocent pig? Her name is Wilbur and she belongs to two of our students, Joaquin and Lachlan.”
The totals changed repeatedly as a serious amount of handing envelopes back and forth ensued among the six, with students stamping their feet and chanting, “Higher! Higher!” In the end, it all came down to MacDonald and Younghans, with Zayac coming up with a wild card to seal the deal for the principal.
Bruce Klassen slipped out the auditorium door and reappeared carrying the aforementioned Wilbur, all ready for her close encounter with Younghans.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of the proceeds to Angele Morrison, who accepted on behalf of Haying in the ’30s.
