The first of what the center's director, Sherry Jackson, said would be an annual vocational-Technical Fair, went smoothly.

Approximately 65 students presented projects from their related fields to judges who worked in the community or within industry in those related fields.

"I am trying to get our students to relate the skills they have learned over the past years with their chosen career path," said Jackson. "We also want them to demonstrate competency in vocational areas; to develop an appreciation for competition; to relate vocational-technical instruction to on the job success."

Second year student April Jackson said that she loved the classes she's been taking at the vocational center, and feels that it helped her to decide on her future career plans of going on to become a chef.

"I'm planning to attend MUW (Mississippi University for Women), in the fall and continue my studies in the culinary arts," said April Jackson.

Food service judge Sandra Brown concurred.

Brown, who is the cafeteria manager at Trig Accelerated School, said "We try to give the children some input and encouragement while looking over their projects. Being that this is the first year for the technical fair, we still have a few bugs to iron out. Even though most foods deteriorate while setting out, it would have been nice if there could have been some samples along with the project boards."

The Greenville Technical Center hosts five schools across Washington County with a total enrollment of 360 student between the 10th and 12th grades.