Students at PHS have numerous pathways to choose from. Pathways like criminal justice, fire science, and digital design train students for jobs in those fields.
Seniors Chloe Smith and Keeley Scott have chosen a path that will lead them to a career in veterinary science, which is a path and a passion. Agriculture Teacher Cory Scott runs the program.
“The real-world experiences that they are getting working at the clinic are not something that can be replicated in a classroom setting. Their futures in Veterinary Science began back in August because they are now living it everyday. They have been outstanding representatives of what our program at PHS is capable of producing,” said Scott.
Scott’s daughter Keeley has a long history of working with animals.
“Growing up raising animals and showing pigs helped me find my love for animals, and I know that I would be happiest pursuing a career caring for them,” said Keeley.
Scott started her veterinary science journey as a sophomore, taking Principles of Veterinary Science with her dad. She grew up around animals, and her passion for animals has only grown stronger over the past couple of years.
“Growing up with a dad who taught veterinary science is pretty interesting. For me, I have always loved caring for animals and learning new things about treatments and care, so having a dad who knew things like that made me enjoy it all a lot more,” said Keeley.
With Keeley having her dad as a teacher, she always grew up around an environment of animals and learned from him even before experiencing his class.
“My dad is the big reason I want to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. He has taught me everything I know and is the reason I am so fascinated by animals and veterinary science,” said Keeley
Keeleyś dad has had such an impact on her, she has a plan for what she plans to do in the future and has all the experience and knowledge to set her path for success.
“I plan to attend Purdue University, but I am keeping my options open. When I complete my undergraduate degree, I plan to get my Doctorate at Purdue Veterinary School,” said Scott.
Smith started her journey with Scott during her sophomore year when she also took Principles of Vet Science. She has found that she is passionate about working closely with animals and making a difference in their well-being.
“I started taking Scott’s class in freshman year, and then sophomore year, I decided to go down that pathway. I enjoy doing hands-on work with the pigs,” said Smith.
To earn their assistant’s certificate, students in the vet science pathway must log 300 hours working in a veterinary clinic in a year. An assistant’s certificate is something you can obtain to work as a vet assistant at any location. When getting hours, it can be hard to keep up with any after-school activities.
“Leaving school to work at the clinic has been challenging because I still want to be involved in sports and activities here at school,” said Smith.
After high school, Smith also has a career in veterinary medicine ahead of her.
“I plan on attending Murray State University to study Animal Health or Vet Tech,” said Smith.