A calm presence, a lasting impact: Beau supports students at Covenant High School

At Covenant High School in Detroit, support for students sometimes comes with four legs, a wagging tail and a quiet, steady presence.  

Beau, a trained facility dog placed through a partnership with Priority Health and Canines for Change, is part of the daily rhythm of the school. He is helping students stay present, manage their emotions and find a sense of calm throughout the school day. 

The program is part of Priority Pups, a growing initiative designed to support student mental health. Since launching in 2023, the program has reached more than 13,500 students. It is built on a simple idea: when students feel supported, they are better able to learn. 

The addition of Beau to the Covenant High School staff made him the first Priority Pup placed in the city of Detroit, and the first to serve high school students. 

Antonio, a senior preparing to graduate this spring, described Beau’s presence in simple but powerful terms. 

“He’s calm,” Antonio said. “I like him. He makes me focus sometimes.” 

In a school environment where many students are working to get back on track academically, that sense of focus matters. For Antonio, who transferred to Covenant after struggling to find the right fit elsewhere, the school and Beau have played a role in helping him move forward. 

“The school can help you out a lot,” he said. “They got me right.” 

But Beau’s impact goes deeper than academics. 

“I was depressed,” Antonio shared. “He was the one who was bringing me up.” 

For staff, those moments are both visible and.....Read More