The students at the Picayune Career and Technology Center were treated by school staff to a cookout at Jack Reed Park for completing their two-year program.

Construction instructor Winston Herndon and drafting instructors Jason Childs grilled hotdogs and hamburgers for the 62 students who completed their program this year, said Picayune Career and Technology Center Director Joaun Lee.

Lee said completing the two-year program is a milestone for the students so the center wanted to celebrate this moment with them.

Depending on their grade point average, completion of the program could qualify them for a scholarship, Lee said.

Students in the construction and automotive programs earn certifications upon completion of the two-year programs, Lee said.

Students with the highest state test score in each program were recognized and received a $50 gift certificate from Walmart, Lee said.

The following students had the highest state test score in their respective program: Lydia Smith for health sciences, Hunter Spiers for construction, Jacob Petitfils for automotive, Noah Barkley for engineering, Ross Savoie for accounting, Brandon Fletcher for drafting, Chaunn Davidson for marketing and Asha Acker for early childhood.

Lee said the staff of the center are extremely proud of the students.

“With all the electives offered at the high school, it’s really a commitment for the students to use their electives for two years at the Career and Technology Center,” Lee said.

This is the fourth year that the Career and Technology Center has hosted a cookout for students who completed their programs.