The Pearl River Central Career and Technical Center in partnership with Picayune and Poplarville’s Career and Technical education centers hosted a joint advisory committee meeting Thursday night.

“It was a wonderful time to celebrate the vocational and career center opportunities in Pearl River County,” said Picayune Career and Technology Center Director Joaun Lee.

This is the second year all three career and technology centers hosted a joint advisory committee, said Pearl River Central Career and Technical Education Director Kelli Beech.

Beech said the three career and technology centers in the county share many of the same business and community partnerships. The joint advisory meeting allows the schools to combine their efforts and to get feedback from their community partners.

“It is vital for our programs and centers success to have strong partnerships with business and community leaders in our county,” Beech said. “Mrs. (Joaun) Lee, Dr. (Marlene) Cole and I are all blessed to work and serve in such a dedicated and involved community.”

Mississippi Department of Education Career and Technology Director Mike Mulvihill was the special guest speaker at the meeting.

Lee said one of the highlights of Mulvihill’s speech was about the positive impact career and technology programs can have for students.

She said 90 percent of career and technology center students graduate from high school. Lee said the average graduation percent rate is “in the mid 70s.”

Mulvihill also commended the guests and Pearl River County school representatives for their outstanding attendance at the advisory meeting, Beech said.