The Pipeline

PAWS club comes to PHS

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 By Amber Anthony

Everyone has different interests, but not everyone gets to express and advertise their interests and get their fellow classmates involved. Junior, Elizabeth Lavin, has very strong opinions regarding the care and protection of animals and wants to get her peers and other school members involved. She introduced the newest club to Pikesville High School this year, PAWS (Pikesville Animal Welfare Society), in order to educate students about local events and opportunities relating to animal welfare. Welfare focuses on the human concern regarding the physical care and well-being of animals. The club will allow students to announce their stances on certain animal welfare topics to gain more information on the subject and how they can help. It enables a great opportunity for students to new people and strengthen their debate skills. “Animal welfare is something that is very important to me,” Elizabeth said. “I hope this club helps PHS students gain a better appreciation for the organisms and everything they entail.” The main focus of the club is to provide information regarding responsible animal treatment, usage of animals, and animal welfare. Students will explore the welfare issues that exist with regard to caring for animals in general. Elizabeth has a lot of events in store and plans to place a great impact on the educational community and get her point across. “We’re going to raise funds for local charities by holding fundraisers and asking for materials such as blankets and animal food,” Elizabeth said. Elizabeth is also looking forward to arranging guest speakers such as vets and animal personels to come in and speak to the club members about the topic and answer any questions. “The hardest part of establishing the club was getting permission passed through the administration and then finding a teacher to assist with meetings after school each week,” Elizabeth said. Meetings will be held on Wednesdays in Mrs. Thonnings’ classroom and any changes in dates or times will be mentioned on the morning and afternoon announcements. “The club is really a great opportunity for students who want to get involved and I hope to see people come and check it out,” Elizabeth said. “I’d like to thank the school principal, Mr. Mitzel, for allowing the club and Mrs. Thonnings for dedicating her time as a teacher aid.”