Simsbury Principal Kisses Goat for a Cause

Submitted by Simsbury Public Schools

SIMSBURY, CT—Every April, Simsbury’s Henry James Memorial School (HJMS) hosts the “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. HJMS middle school students are always enthusiastic about helping out for such a good cause, however, this year their principal, Susan M. Lemke, showed them not only the value of giving to help others but the value of following through on a promise—even if that promise means kissing a goat.

Since 1994, millions of dollars have been raised in pennies and other spare change by more than 10 million elementary, middle and high school students throughout the country. For the highest collecting homeroom, the prize has traditionally been a pizza party. But as additional incentive to raise even more money this year, Principal Lemke upped the ante. She promised that if $1,000 was collected, she would dye her hair; for $1,500 she would kiss a baby goat; and for $2,000 she would let students throw pies in her face. Every student was given an individual collection box to take home with one week to collect funds. The incentive paid off handsomely, as the students and staff raised approximately $3,200—and Principal Lemke was not about to shrink from delivering on her promises.

And deliver she did. On Monday, April 30th, students were rewarded during each lunch wave as they got to witness their principal kissing a goat. The little white goat, seven-day-old Crissy, generously provided by Aimee Gilbert of Hemlock Knoll Farm of North Granby, seemed unfazed both by the smooch itself and the throng of students lining up to pat its head.

Later in the week, Principal Lemke will be showing off her new “do,” bright pink no less. Finally, the system has been chosen to determine which lucky students will be randomly selected to throw a pie in her face. Although it may take a little time to recover her dignity, Mrs. Lemke believes it is a small price to pay in the name of charity—and well worth setting a good example for her middle-schoolers.