THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 11, 1994 TAG: 9412090252
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
A KISS IS JUST A KISS - unless, of course, you're kissing a 25-pound pig in front of 255 elementary students.
Oakland Elementary School principal John Sammons did the honors twice Tuesday after he agreed several months ago to kiss a pig if PTA officers got 100 percent membership by their December meeting.
``At the time, I figured they wouldn't be able to get it. But even my wife joined. A maintenance man who works here joined and the school superintendent joined. I think I was doomed,'' he said with a laugh.
The first kiss came about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in front of the entire student body during a school assembly. And Sammons, 49, remembers it well.
``It snapped at me. But, I kissed him anyway. The second time, he was a different pig. He snuggled right up to me in my arms, and I kissed him on the nose.
``When the farmer took him away, he squealed all the way out of the auditorium. He hated to leave me!''
Sammons, a principal at Oakland for seven years, said before the membership drive began several months ago that there were only 150 PTA members.
But today, he said, ``We now have as many members as some of the larger elementary schools.''
Sammons said he knew he had lost the bet at the PTA's November meeting, when officers were only 20 members away from their goal.
``I could see I was doomed.''
Name: John Sammons
What brought you to Suffolk? A desire for country living.
Hometown: Portsmouth
Birthdate: March 19, 1945
Occupation: Principal of Oakland Elementary School.
Marital status: Married 26 years to Deanna.
Children: John, 23, and Laura, 20.
Favorite movies: ``A Few Good Men,'' ``All the President's Men,'' ``Sister Act'' and ``The Flim Flam Man.''
Favorite magazine: Blue Ridge Country.
A book you wish everyone would read: ``Peril and Promise'' by John Chancellor. It describes the state of the country - its past, present and the hope for our future.
Favorite night out on the town: Going out for dinner.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Alexander's on the Bay.
Favorite food and drink: Seafood and limeade.
Few people know . . . that I have been a church organist for 35 years.
What's the best thing about yourself? I try to be a good father and husband.
Worst habit: Disorganization is frustrating to me.
First thing in the morning: I read three newspapers.
Pets: None
Hobbies: Reading, stamp collecting, woodworking and traveling.
Ideal vacation: A two-week cruise to anywhere.
Pet peeve: Businesses that call at dinner time to sell products/services.
First job: Church organist
Worst job: Teaching string instruments, especially the first month of each school year.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Two children who have made me very proud.
What would you like on your epitaph? No words. Just let any good thing I've done speak for itself. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Principal John Sammons kisses a pig after the PTA membership reaches
100 percent.
Sammons talks to a TV reporter during the assembly after he kept his
promise and kissed a porker in front of 255 students.
by CNB