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Hamblen County Schools recently celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of its new Dog Grooming Lab, an innovative addition to the district’s Career and Technical Education programs.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new state-of-the-art CTE Dog Grooming Lab, led by Veterinary Science Instructor Jennifer Overbay, whose infectious enthusiasm and dedication serve as a true inspiration for every student entering the animal care field,” said East High Principal Randy Greene.

The new lab provides students with hands-on training in professional dog grooming, animal care, safety procedures, customer service, and small business fundamentals. Designed to mirror industry standards, the space equips students with real-world skills that prepare them for immediate employment.

“The skills learned in the lab go beyond animal handling; students also develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills,” Overbay said. “A student must read an animal’s movements and behavior while making in-the-moment choices, as well as communicate professionally with pet owners. Therefore, students benefit from this class even if they do not pursue a career specifically in animal science.”

In addition to supporting student learning, the program is strengthening partnerships within the local community. The lab works closely with the Morristown Police Department and the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Units by providing grooming services for their working dogs. This collaboration supports the readiness of the K-9 units while creating meaningful opportunities for officers to engage with students and staff. Through these interactions, the program fosters trust and connection, demonstrating the positive impact of community policing.

The program also has meaningful collaboration with industry partners, K9’s Dream and Kristiana’s Pet Spa, whose expertise was instrumental in bringing this lab to life. Their guidance helped identify essential equipment and design a layout that reflects real-world grooming environments. By working alongside professionals in the field, a space was created that not only meets industry standards but also ensures students gain hands-on experience with the tools and setup they will encounter in their future careers.

Beyond the technical skills of grooming, the program also emphasizes the operational side of the industry. Overbay introduced Work Based Learning student Kaylee Dubois as the “linchpin” of the lab, highlighting her instrumental role in managing the facility’s operations. Through the WBL program, Dubois oversees the business side of the lab, scheduling appointments, communicating with clients, troubleshooting issues as they arise, managing inventory, and ensuring daily sanitation and cleaning protocols are met.

The visual identity of the lab is also a demonstration of student talent. Alanna Gordon was formally recognized for her contribution in creating the Dog Grooming Lab’s official graphic. Her design serves as a lasting legacy of student creativity and skill that will remain part of the facility’s identity long after she graduates and pursues her postsecondary goals.

“This lab represents our commitment to preparing students for high-skill, high-demand careers,” said Hamblen County Schools’ CTE Supervisor Joseph Ely. “Career and Technical Education gives students opportunities to gain practical experience while still in high school, and this program is a perfect example of workforce-aligned learning.”

Students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to pursue industry-recognized certifications and develop employability skills critical to today’s workforce. Local industry partners and advisory council members attended the ceremony, highlighting the strong collaboration between the school district and the community to ensure programs remain aligned with regional needs.

As guests toured the facility and observed student-led demonstrations, the message was clear: by investing in diverse, hands-on learning pathways and continuing the expansion of innovative programming, Hamblen County’s CTE program works to ensure all students experience meaningful career opportunities and workforce readiness.