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MARCH 6, 2026— The Pal-Mac High School welcomed a special guest on Friday, Feb. 27: A miniature cow. You read that right.

​The school’s FFA Chapter welcomed the cow as part of its first-ever “Kiss the Cow” event. As part of the event, a staff member was voted by students and fellow staff members to, as you would guess, kiss the cow.

The cow, a 10-year-old Zebu named Littleton, is the family cow of high school agriculture teacher and FFA director, Ms. Camry Semans. Ms. Semans said Littleton is like her dog, both in demeanor and size, which made him an easy choice for this event.

​“I don’t think a lot of people have seen a cow up close, especially a miniature,” Semans said.

​While it was a unique experience, the event was more than just about kissing a new bovine friend; it was about raising money and awareness for the Chapter. The entire week was National FFA Week and featured a slew of different spirit days and events, ranging from a baby photo contest to a free staff breakfast, and much more.

Ms. Semans (right) posing with Littleton alongside FFA Chapter Vice President Shelby Suwyn

​The week culminated with Kiss the Cow, which also served as a fundraiser for the Chapter. In addition to Mrs. Alward, four other finalists volunteered for the opportunity, including Mrs. Kim Day, Mr. Bill Bendschnieder, Mr. Wahl, and Mr. Lustica.

​The lucky winner was high school math teacher Mrs. Alward, who enthusiastically drummed up support for the opportunity with signage that read, “I want to kiss the cow,” outside her classroom.

​“As soon as I saw the opportunity, I said I'm gonna kiss that cow,” Alward said. “I just love animals, and when I was in high school, I was obsessed with cows, and it continued into adulthood.”

Mrs. Alward excitedly prepares to kiss Littleton

So how did this come together? Ms. Semans said it started with a running joke when she first started at Pal-Mac earlier this school year. The first year teacher excitedly told people she would one day bring Littleton into school, though the exact reason wasn’t set in stone.

Students pet Littleton in the courtyard at the Pal-Mac High School

​That was until she and the Chapter, which is also in its first year, began brainstorming ideas for FFA week. Chapter president Kelly Sanson said when Ms. Semans pitched the idea, Chapter members felt it made the most sense.

​“He’s very sweet, and he was ready to kiss,” Sanson said.

​And Littleton received many, many kisses. As part of her win, Mrs. Alward would share that affection at the beginning of each lunch period on the patio connected to the cafe. Sanson would introduce the event with a special statement thanking students for their participation, as well as the importance of FFA week.

​“Farmers are the backbone of our communities, “ Sanson said. “Without our farmers, we would not have food.”

​Farmers may be a key point of the organization, but Semans added FFA offers students multiple career and educational pathways. FFA members have gone on to be teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and even government officials. The Chapter recently competed at the District 8 Leadership Development Event (LDE) competitions, where they finished in second place.

​The accomplishment was good enough to boost them into the sub state competition.

​Chapter member Ameilia West, who was part of the history-making team, said the kiss the cow initiative will directly benefit the Chapter as they plan to compete nationally.

​West was one of a few Chapter members who came into school bright and early on Friday to help guide Littleton to the school’s grassy courtyard, where he spent most of the day before the event.

​“Because of all the donations, we’re able to get FFA jackets for our FFA Parliamentary Procedure team,” West said. “We appreciate Ms. Semans for bringing in her cow and doing all this work so students like me have the opportunity to compete.”

​Semans and fellow Chapter members agreed the week and the event were an all around success, but they hope to build on the experience for next year. Semans said she saw an increase in interest, not just because of Littleton, but because of what the program offers.

​But not lost on her is what Chapter members gained for themselves.

​“I think this has been a great opportunity for my students to show their leadership skills, especially, so it’s been a great experience,” Semans said.

 

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