CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: Ashton Elementary

After cheering on Principal William Muth as he attempted to pedal his way through a tricycle race against Ashton Elementary School teachers, students exploded into laughter and clapping as Muth puckered up to kiss Princess, a pink piglet, as the grand finale.

After bringing in box tops for the school’s Star Sprint jog-a-thon event Feb. 26, students were asked to help choose which teachers would compete in a tricycle race. Muth then agreed to kiss a pig if 50% of the student body donated $1 to the fundraiser. Students raised $16,000, which will enable the school to implement a new mathematics series that allows students to participate in hands-on activities.

James Goethe, kindergarten
What do you think about Principal Muth kissing a pig?
“It was funny.”

Would you ever kiss a pig?
“No!”

What if someone paid you $1 million — then would you kiss a pig?
“Yes, I’d really like a million dollars.”

Do you hope to win a tricycle race in the future?
“I never want to be in a tricycle race because I’m afraid I’ll lose. I guess I could win a running race.”

John Borrero, kindergarten
What do you think about Principal Muth kissing a pig?
“It was funny that he kissed the pig. But I thought he was going to kiss it with those fake (wax) lips on.”

Who did you want to win the tricycle race?
“Mr. Muth.”

Are you sad that he came in last place?
“The bike was too little for his knees!”

Would you ever kiss a pig?
“No.”

Jayme Rudd, kindergarten
What do you think about Principal Muth kissing a pig?
“Awesome.”

Who did you want to win the tricycle race?
“Mr. Muth.”

How do you feel about the pig?
“It was a cute pig.”

Ella Greene
Did you like the pig?
“I would like to kiss her.”

Did you laugh when the principal put on the fake red lips made of wax?
“Yes, the big red lips looked funny!”

Do you recall the pig’s name?
“Princess.”

Who did you want to win the tricycle race?
“Mr. Muth. I was sad he came in last because I like him. When my dad was little, Mr. Muth used to be the principal’s helper at his school.”

Principal William Muth
What was it like to kiss a pig?
“A little fuzzy and a little hairy. She was a very calm pig. It was actually kind of fun.”

Tell The Observer about the tricycle race. It seems many students hoped you would win.
“I came in last place. My legs were too long for the pedals. Ileana Capilla, one of the school’s guidance counselors, pushed me across the finish and came to my rescue.

What circumstances led to you kissing a pig?
“For the Star Sprint, we asked at least 50% of the students and their families to send in pledges. If we reached the goal, the bet or arrangement was that there would be a kissing of a pig event. We raised $16,000 to implement a mathematics series. This shows Ashton families really care about their children’s education.”

Contact Loren Mayo at [email protected].