If five Western Maryland fifth-graders have their way, the calico cat will join the ranks of such elite animals as the blue crab and the Chesapeake Bay retriever. The Westernport Elementary students are asking the Maryland General Assembly to name the calico the official state cat. Their argument - the cat's colors are similar to the Maryland flag's black, red and gold. The girls came up with the idea last year when they were studying Maryland government, said Lexi Gentry, 10.
Cats are smart and a lot of people like cats.
After the session began Jan. 10, the girls diligently checked the legislature's Web site but failed to see their bill. They wrote another letter to Kelly, who filed House Bill 157 Thursday. We were all excited. We couldn't believe it. Their principal, Steve Wilson, was also pleased and said he'd help arrange for them to testify in Annapolis if needed.