Dog show, wellness checks at  STEM+M school event

SOUTH POINT — Dogs of all breeds could be found at the STEM+M Early College High School on Saturday afternoon.

Paws for STEM took place at the campus on Solida Road, featuring a dog show, vendors, food, tours of the campus, a photo booth, face painting and more.

Visitors to the school could register their pets to take part in the dog show, with the categories of best costume, owner/pet lookalike and best trick.

Several booths were set up related to pets, such as one by the Proctorville Animal Clinic, which offered free screenings.

“We’re giving them a basic nose-to-tail wellness check,” Amber Mullins, DVM, said.

Another booth was run by Tanya Daniels, of Puppy Stylez, a South Point dog grooming business.

“We’re doing face trims and nail trims,” she said.

Lead teacher Alicia Spears described the day’s event as a “multi-purpose event,” offered as part of the Healthy Heart design challenge.

“Schools across the state are researching ways to deal with heart disease,” she said.

Spears said pet ownership contributes to wellness and heart health and that studies have shown having a pet can help lower stress, reduce cholesterol levels and lower triglycerides in the blood.

Spears said all proceeds from the event would go to the school to help with purchasing supplies.

She said the event also served as a showcase for the school, a public institution free to Lawrence County students, and gave people a chance to see the facility and to learn more about the science, technology, engineering math and medical curriculum offered.

Those who are interested in the STEM+M school can drop by for the monthly information sessions on the campus, open to parents and prospective students. The next is scheduled for April 12 at 7 p.m.