Parent Open House on Tuesday, September 20, 2022

Harrison County Career Tech Center
15600 School Road, Gulfport, MS  
228-832-6652

Harrison Central parents go to their student's 1st period class at 5:30 pm.
West Harrison and D'Iberville parents visit any time between 5:30 and 7 pm

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Carpentry students build Little Libraries for Gulfport-Orange Grove Rotary Club. 
Click on the photo to view the WLOX story.







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9th Graders Tour the Career Tech Center

We hosted the Harrison Central English 1 students and gave them a look at Career Tech possibilities for next year.  

Click on the picture to view the entire photo gallery.  Posted Nov 11, 2020

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It's Good to be Back!

When we left school on an ordinary Friday in March, we didn't expect to be out until August.  Friends missed each other, teachers missed students, and yes, students missed teachers.

Click on the photo to view the photo album of students getting back to work at the Career Tech Center.


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Gulf Coast Woman magazine features Marketing student Jaliya Snaer in their June 2020 issue.  Click on Jaliyah's photo to read the full story.  Posted Sep 10, 2020











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BEAM Conference 2019

Mississippi Power hosted the Blacks in Energy Awareness Month Conference on Oct 23. Eight Harrison County students enjoyed learning about careers in energy.  Click on the picture for entire photo gallery.  Click here for the link to WXXV Fox 25's news story.
Posted Oct 23, 2019

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Think PINK 2019!  

Click on the photo to view the photo gallery.




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Ford Internship 

Butch Oustalet Ford offers valuable work-based learning experience for Auto Tech students.  Click on the photo to view the story.  Posted Oct 11, 2019



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It's a Material World!

Career Tech  employees ROCK the 80's for Spirit Week!  Pictured from the left:  Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Keen, Ms. Wilson, Mrs. Cates, Mrs. Williamson, and Mr. Wheeler.

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Teacher Academy is in the spotlight on two news channels!  Check out the stories on WLOX and WXXV.  Click on the station logos to view the videos.

Posted Nov. 1, 2018

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Career & Technical Center Unveils New Logo

 

When the Career & Technical Center announced a logo design contest for students, we didn’t really know what the students would produce.  The challenge was to design a logo that captured the essence of career & technical education and acknowledged the unique role the Center plays in serving students from all three district high schools.

 

From the 24 amazing entries, Zoe Williams’ design was selected to represent the Center on letterhead, signs, t-shirts, fliers, awards, email signatures, and anything else that will help build the Career & Technical Center’s identity in the district and in the community.  Zoe is a 2nd year Construction & Carpentry student, who in addition to bragging rights for the winning design, will soon be sporting a new hoodie featuring the new logo.

Zoe explained her design concept as "Working in threes because of the three schools that attend programs here."  One gear represents each school by featuring its logo.  The gears also represent how the three school work together to make the Career & Technical Center successful.  She added, "This was a great opportunity to exhibit my skills as an artist.  I worked very hard to represent CTE the best I could.  I was very surprised to win."

 

Thanks to Mr Jeff Jones, Graphic Design Instructor at MGCCC-Perkinston, who transformed Zoe’s original design into a 4-color camera-ready file.  Zoe plans to attend Mr Jones’ program at Perk in the fall.  Posted Feb 8, 2018

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Trent Lott leadership Institute UPDATE

The second chapter of the Emily Wright’s and Matthew Upton’s Trent Lott Leadership Institute story was written this summer when they attended the program on the Ole Miss campus from May 28-June 30. 

Matthew explained that the Institute was a summer college experience, with rigorous courses, dorm life, and campus activities.  The students stayed on campus, attended Public Speaking and Political Science classes from 8-11:45 am each day (earning 6 semester hours of college credit), and collaborated with other amazing students from across the southern region, as well as from Mexico and Honduras. Matthew felt that the presence of a diverse student population added to the value of the experience, especially when studying political science. Emily noted that the intense experience couldn’t be duplicated by a one-day college visit.

The Institute was capped by a final week in Washington, DC, where the students met with Congressmen, Senators (including retired Senator Trent Lott), and business leaders. Both Emily and Matthew enjoyed seeing government in action, and learned how members of both parties work together to reach common goals.  Emily appreciated the personal and professional growth she experienced—learning how to better express herself, and changing her outlook on politics.  Emily’s biggest take-away from the week was that “You don’t have to be a politician to affect change.”

Matthew, now a senior at Harrison Central, plans to attend Ole Miss to study Mechanical Engineering and build a career in the automotive industry.  Emily, also a senior at Harrison Central, has not made her final college decision yet, but plans to double major in chemistry and public policy before going to medical school.  She plans to pursue a career that affects public policy as it relates to the medical field.

Emily and Matthew agree that anyone interested in the Trent Lott Leadership Institute should apply, as it is an amazing experience. 

The final chapter of this Trent Lott Leadership Institute story will be written as Emily and Matthew take what they have learned, put the finishing touches on their high school careers, and then set out to prepare for successful careers that will make a difference in their lives, and in the lives of those around them.  Posted Sep 15, 2017
 
Ole Miss Selects Wright and Upton to Lead the Way

Emily Wright and Matthew Upton were selected to attend the Trent Lott Leadership Institute at the University of Mississippi this summer.  Both are Juniors at Harrison Central, and are students in the Engineering & Robotics program—Emily a 1^st year student, and Matthew a 2^nd year student.

During the 5-week program, they will meet on campus with Ole Miss administrators, student leaders, and community leaders while participating in current event debates, discussions, and decision-making activities.  During the final week of the program, they will travel to Washington, DC to see the federal government in action, hear from national leaders, and tour the Capitol.   Ole Miss awards college credit for the experience.

Committee selection for the institute was based on demonstrated interest in public service, leadership, concern for others, and academic achievement.  Over 1000 students from across the southern region applied for the program, and Emily and Matthew were among the 40 selected to participate.

Emily sees the institute as a good opportunity to meet students from around the state and the country, and to build leadership skills to better serve others.  She plans to attend college after high school graduation and major in Biomedical Engineering.  Matthew has an interest in politics, and wants to become a better leader.  He plans to major in mechanical engineering at Ole Miss after graduation.  Posted March 13, 2017

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Students Celebrate 2016-17 Success With A Cookout

 WOW! What an amazing school year we have had at the Career/Tech. Center. What was so amazing about it? Our WONDERFUL students! We wrapped up this year with a cookout complete with fun and games.
These students have worked very hard to make this year one of the very best. They have competed in district, state, and national events, attended leadership conferences, won medals and awards in competitive events, received honors and high honors, and are recognized for many other accomplishments. 
I, along with the faculty and staff of the Career/Tech. Center are so very proud of each one of these young people. 
Libby White - Director                                               Posted May 11, 2017

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Nissan Tour 2017 

Second year students from Engineering & Robotics, Precision Machining, Automotive Tech, and Welding made the long trek north to Canton to visit the Nissan Plant on March 7.  The long bus ride was worth the effort for the students as they watched from tram cars as 20-ton rolls of steel entered the cocoon of the plant like caterpillars, and emerged like butterflies  transformed into Altimas, Muranos, Frontiers, Titans, and NV Commercial vans.

Situated on 1038 acres, and occupying a 4.7 million sq. ft. building costing $3.2 billion, the Nissan plant employs 6400 employees that account for a payroll of more than $400 million annually, and have produced more that 3 million vehicles since production began in 2003.  Posted March 10, 2017

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West Harrison Career & Technical Students Reel in Consecutive “School of the Year” Awards and a State Championship

Before the 2015-16 school year, students who played “hooky” to fish would face discipline consequences.  But, because James Willoughby did his research and presented a report to the principal, the West Harrison High School Bass Team was founded that year.  Now, when those students go fishing, they return with trophies instead of demerits.  The team has won the “School of the Year” award both years of its existence, and beat out 89 other high school teams to bring home the state championship from the tournament at Ross Barnett Reservoir in February.  Mr. Tim Shaw, WH Art teacher, is the team’s sponsor. 

James Willoughby (left in photo), a 1^st year Welding student, plans to attend college on a fishing scholarship after graduation.  Ashton Saucier (right in photo), a 1^st year Construction & Carpentry student, plans to be a Game Warden.  The boys both enjoy the opportunity to fish competitively, being out on the water, and making new friends while doing what they love.

Posted Mar 10, 2017
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I LOVE CTE! Day February 14, 2017
WXXV News 25 was on site for our feature day during National Career & Technical Education month.
view video...        view photo gallery...

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What the students are saying…

 

We got some pretty good answers when students were asked, ”Why did you choose your Career & Technical program?”

 

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Business Marketing

 

“I felt like it would be a good fit for me.  The whole reason is to learn life-long skills that can help you achieve goals later on in life.”  Aaron King, West Harrison Class of 2018

 

“I wanted to learn more about marketing because it seems interesting.  Mrs. Williamson also seemed cool.”  Mady Ott, D’Iberville Class of 2019

 

“Mrs Will and I had an instant connection as soon as she explained what Marketing was.  So, after that experience, I instantly wanted to join and become part of the Career-Tech family.”  De’Ja’ Dailey, Harrison Central Class of 2018 

 

Welding

 

“I wanted to learn and master the skill of welding, so I would eventually go to college and get certified.  Then, I’d go to Ingall’s or any place hiring a welder and work for about 10-15 years.  Then, I’d start my own business welding and fabricating.”  Jeremy Waller, Harrison Central Class of 2018

 

“I found welding interesting to join, and could use those skills later in life.”  Hannah Nash, D’Iberville Class of 2019

 

“I really enjoy welding and I have worked on and built drag cars since I was small.  So, I decided to work on my welding skills, and this was a great opportunity.”  Cody Ladner, West Harrison Class of 2018

 

Engineering & Robotics

 

“I want to major in Computer Science when I go to college, so I took Robotics to prepare.”  Brie Moore, Harrison Central Class of 2018

 

“I wanted this program because I want to become an engineer, and this class would get me closer to my goal.”  Alfred Coleman, West Harrison Class of 2017

 

“I have an interest in Petroleum Engineering, and this class gives me a foundation to build upon.”  Nicholas McCoy, D’Iberville Class of 2019

 

Construction & Carpentry

 

“I chose to take Carpentry because I thought it’ll be fun and I knew it’ll be a great skill to have in life.”  Keajah Williams, Harrison Central Class of 2019

 

“It will help me prepare for what I’m doing after high school.”  Johannah Rudloff, West Harrison Class of 2018

 

“In this program I can make or build things, and this program can help me for my future.”  Brayan Alvarez, Harrison Central Class of 2019

 

Architecture & Drafting

 

“I want to pursue a career at Ingall’s using my knowledge in drafting and design.”  Breanna-Jo Schofield, West Harrison Class of 2017

 

“I believe it will give me a competitive advantage when I apply for a job in the drafting and design industry.”  Zachary Wines, D’Iberville Class of 2018

 

“I wanted to get more hands-on learning and experience with what I want to do with my future career.  I chose Drafting because I want to be an Architectural Engineer, or some other engineer.”  Justin Ladner, Harrison Central Class of 2019

 

Business Management

 

“I liked what the class had to offer me, and I wanted to gain as much knowledge as I could that will benefit me in college, and helping me to see what other career options are available.”  Victoria Panagopoulos, D’Iberville Class of 2019

 

“FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) seemed to fit my needs for a good career in the future.  And, with having this class, it helps me be better prepared in my adulthood.”  Adrian Cottrell, Harrison Central Class of 2018

 

“I want to be an entrepreneur when I graduate college.  I want to major in Business and Finance in college, so I took this class to get me started.”  Ashton Lesher, West Harrison Class of 2019

 

Auto Technology

 

“I don’t mind getting my hands dirty.  I chose the auto class because the world runs on automobiles, so I want to learn how to work on them.”  Scarlett Buck, Harrison Central Class of 2018

 

“I love to work on cars and trucks, and I want to become a mechanic.”  Austin Brock, West Harrison Class of 2019

 

“I love to work with cars.  I want to one day be an Automotive Engineer.”  Koby Ngo, D’Iberville Class of 2018

 

Precision Machining 

 

“I wanted to expand my mechanical capability.  I also wanted to be prepared for my college degree, which is Mechanical Engineering.”  Kenneth Gray, D’Iberville Class of 2019

 

“[It would] help me with college in the future.  And, it is exciting and fun.  I expect to learn new things every day, and that’s what I like about Machine Shop.”  Gabby Straub, West Harrison Class of 2019

 

“It can help me get into college.  It will also look good on a job application.  If I get good enough, I can possibly get a job in that field.”  Connor Thomas, Harrison Central Class of 2019

Posted Jan 20, 2017

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Career & Technical Students Assist With Pathways 2 Possibilities

Sixty-four Career & Technical students assisted at the 4^th Annual Pathways 2 Possibilities held Nov 16 & 17 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.  More than 6500 eighth grade students from 34 schools in Jackson, Harrison, Hancock, Pearl River, Stone, George, Greene, and Perry Counties experienced hands-on exhibits and activities representing 19 different career pathway options. 

Career & Technical students greeted arriving busses, worked at vendor exhibits, helped direct crowds of visiting students, and guided inquisitive 8^th graders as they operated robots that are designed, constructed, and maintained by our Engineering & Robotics students.  Posted Nov 28, 2016
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Mr. Cooper Receives 25-Year Award

Automotive Technology Instructor, Mr. Cooper, has received his 25-Year Master ASE Technician award.  The award is a testament to a career dedicated to excellence, as both an automotive technician and an instructor.

Mr. Cooper was originally certified as an ASE Master Technician in 1988, after passing the rigorous certification exams in all eight areas and completing the required experience in the field.  ASE Technicians are required to re-test every five years to maintain certification.

The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence was founded in 1972 to provide credentialing for automotive service industry technicians. 
Since its inception, ASE has certified 300,000 technicians in all related automotive trades.  Mr. Cooper is one of 74,304 Master Automotive Technicians that have been certified nationwide since 1972.  Posted Dec 5, 2016
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United Way Women’s Leadership Council Mentors Marketing Students

What happens when you add five experts in their fields to eighteen highly motivated Marketing students?

 On December 14, a panel of five mentors representing the United Way of South Mississippi’s Women’s Leadership Council donated their time and experience to Mrs. Williamson’s 2nd-year Marketing students.  The event featured the mentors meeting with each of five small groups to share inspirational insights about goals and values, as well as practical guidance about business start-ups and research operations.

The panel of mentors included Lori West, Executive Director of the South Mississippi Humane Society, Linda Watts, Retired Manager of the Coast Division of Mississippi Power, Dr. Monica Marlowe, Chief Advancement Officer for William Carey University’s Tradition Campus, Cindy Walker, CEO of United Way of South Mississippi (and a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Council), and Geneva Dummer, Owner/Operator of The Meeting Place, LLC.

What did the students have to say about this experience?

“Focus, focus, and more focus is the major key that the successful ladies were saying.  They really inspired me to work even harder and stay determined.”  DeJa’ Dailey

“I learned to take chances and always be positive, confident, and polite as a female making my path in life.”  Leah Sims

“I learned about career options I didn’t think about.  I’m glad I got to be a part of this experience.”  Caitlyn Bowling

“These women were amazing and helpful in every aspect of questions we had.  They were all so nice and very awesome for speaking with us.”  Skylar Parkinson

“It made me want to strive to be the best that I can be.”  Jake Spain

“This experience opened my mind up to be more efficient and explore all of my options in my career field.”  Tayla Capers

“Listening to these women with so much knowledge had me glued to everything they were saying.”  Connor Stephen

“The women who came to visit provided a wealth of information that was greatly appreciated and provided great advice.”  Shay Jordan

Posted Dec 14, 2016 
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Engineering/Robotics Students Experience Technology for Underwater Exploration

Engineering students travelled to the USM research Center at Stennis to view the facilities and find out what they do. USM has started a new degree inside the Marine Sciences program called Hydrography which seeks to map and understand our oceans. Students have a 100% employment rate and are working all over the world for the petroleum industry, telecommunications industry, construction and research companies.  Posted Nov 11, 2016 
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Welding Students Turn Scrap Metal Into Works of Art

If the smell of slag has been strong in the hallway lately, there is a good reason.  Welding students have been creating folk art pieces from scraps of metal.  Jeremy Waller fabricated a butterfly out of horseshoes.  Bailey Cobern created a horseshoe owl.  Gavin Holland and Bailey Cobern collaborated on a hammer-head dog, while William Dunn shows off the dog he made.  Posted Oct 14, 2016
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