By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

Weare Center Woods Elementary School Principal Jude Chauvette gets up close and personal with a pig held by Weare School Board Chairman Matt Thomas. Chauvette promised the pucker if students raised $5,000 for the American Diabetes Association. During the month-long drive, 'Dimes for Diabetes,' Weare students surpassed their goal by more than $3,000. The ADA will use the money for research. (Nicholas Brown Photo)

More than 600 Weare Center Woods Elementary School students were in hog heaven last Wednesday as their principal puckered up to a live pig.

The smooch was a culmination of a monthlong project, "Dimes for Diabetes" that raised more than $8,000 in research money for the American Diabetes Association. On Wednesday, April 20, the students, along with more than 100 parents and staff, walked around the school together, many holding colorful signs, all trying to raise awareness of the harmful disease.

The walk was followed by a presentation of a check to the association, and then came the highlight of the day: Principal Jude Chauvette kissed a small pig.

"We set a goal of $5,000," said Chauvette. "I thought that was high, so I told the students I'd kiss a pig if they reached it. I never dreamed they'd get to eight."

Chauvette said a pig was chosen because the original form of insulin came from pigs.

"It.s no worse than kissing a dog or cow," Chauvette said just before the ceremony. "I just hope it's clean."

Each spring the school organizes a project aimed at community service. Patricia Mac- Neil, the school nurse and one of the main project organizers of "Dimes for Diabetes" said causes supported in years past include research for cancer, heart disease and leukemia.

MacNeil said diabetes was chosen this year in part because Center Woods student Ariel Freedman was recently diagnosed with type I diabetes, and also because type II diabetes is becoming more prevalent in American children.

"We wanted to teach them about eating well, exercising, and making the right choices about their health," said Mac- Neil. "This used to not be a problem, but it is now."

The walk was one of about 50 anticipated to take place this year in New England alone, said Stephanie Raveling, manager for the American Diabetes Association's eastern New England region.

"This is obviously a very giving community, Raveling said. "We're thrilled to see how well they've done."

The money was raised through collection cans around the town and by each student gaining individual pledges for their walks.

Principal Chauvette said he's been thrilled at the student's excitement about the project, though he jokingly admitted some concern about the possibility of a new nickname.

"That's Mr. Pig-kisser to you," he said.