Camden High School -

On January 13th and 15th, the scene in Mrs. Hooker’s classroom at Camden High School looked far from a typical day at school, and a bit more like something you’d see on your television set on Thanksgiving Day. Canine Science students brought their dogs, and their knowledge about them, to compete for top honors in the second annual class-wide dog show.

The annual event, overseen by agriculture educator Erin Curtis, comes with a unique twist. Namely, the show doesn’t have any live dogs. The dogs are all scale models of their real life counterparts. Among other key differences, there isn’t a national television audience, or the dulcet tones of longtime television host John O’Hurley as he elaborates on the height of canine sophistication.

None of that dampened their enthusiasm for the task. Each student came ready to present on a favorite breed of dog, with an excitement rivaling that of the Pekingese breed claiming Best in Show at Westminster a few years back.

Students were tasked with preparing an oral report about their chosen breed, selected from any of the registered breeds with the American Kennel Club. A total of 10 breeds competed. The information researched and presented was aligned with many of the breed standards used in dog show judging, including coat type, size, structure, movement, and behavior. Many students were also able to draw on their experiences owning the breed during their presentations.

As they prepare their presentations, the students develop professional communication skills and improve their grasp on appropriate industry vocabulary. Students also get to showcase their artistic talents in a different classroom setting.

Like a real world dog show, the presentations were held before a panel of staff judges. This year’s judges were teachers David Stoelzel and Daniel Carver, and principal Aaron Fiorini. Public Relations Assistant Ray Biggs also gave out a judge’s choice award. The job of the judges was to determine a winner from each of five groups, and which one of those group winners would take home top honors. Superintendent of Schools Jason Evangelist, a noted dog enthusiast, also came by to observe.

When the votes were tallied, eleventh grade student Krista Thompson took home best in show honors with her meticulously detailed model Akita. Although she owns two cocker spaniel mixes at home, the unique features and exotic appeal of the Akita made it her choice for the project.

“I love how well-known they are in Japan,” Thompson said. “I really love their curly tail and I was able to make that really pop. And I love the size and their coats. Their coats are so thick that you can’t feel the skin.”

Thompson also received one of the four judge’s choice awards, and was the winner of the Working Group. Elexis Smith earned the nod among the sporting group for her Labrador Retriever, and received a judge’s choice award herself. Chad Asch was the champion of the herding group with his Australian Shepherd, Elena D’Amico led the toy group with her Pug, and Colin Kirk’s Beagle stood atop the hound group. Ethan Mahle earned a Judge’s Choice accolade for his Border Collie, and Hailee Evans received the same honor for her presentation on the esteemed Italian Mastiff known as the Cane Corso.

According to Curtis, the project’s multi-disciplinary requirements make it a favorite for her, and for the students she works with each day.

“I enjoy seeing students’ artistic side as they create a realistic dog,” she said. “I also love seeing students get out of their comfort zone to present to a panel of judges!”