Kissing cow helps kids raise cancer fight funds

Administrators and teachers of Mountain Home Junior High School readily agreed to "Kiss the Cow" to help support the fundraiser by the American Cancer Society's Funky Monkeys team.

The team members wanted to raise funds for a young cancer patient, a classmate. Their idea was to offer a competition that would allow everyone to get involved. For approximately six weeks students had an opportunity to place donations in jars to see their favorite teacher or administrator Kiss the Cow.

Last week as the school prepared for its holiday break, the Christmas assembly program provided the perfect opportunity to announce the winners. Cheers went up as Bitsy, the cow, was led into the middle of the gymnasium by her owner Holland Nichelson for the big event.

Seventy dollars was raised during the effort, with more than half of the total coming in for just three people: vice principal Bill McCarrel was named the top money raiser, followed closely by teachers Mrs. Dingus and Mrs. Clifford.

Amid the cheers of the students, the three lined up to kiss the cow. Bitsy seemed a bit uncertain with all the attention, but stood placidly while the three big money raisers planted their kisses on her.