HYLA visits Stennis, Port Bienville on Economic Development Tour

On April 22, 2015, high school juniors participating in the Hancock Youth Leadership Academy began their exploration of economic development in Hancock County. Their first visit was to Port Bienville, a 3600-acre park home to 18 industries and employing 1200 workers in Hancock County. Ashley Edwards, Executive Director of the Port and Harbor Commission, addressed the students and revealed that the park boasts a Short Line Railroad with CSX interchange, 15 miles of rail infrastructure, deep water access and close proximity to the interstate system. A tour of SABIC Innovative Plastics plant followed, where the students got an up-close look at the international company that produces plastic pellet material used in items such as car bumpers and electronics. Lunch was generously provided by SABIC.

Students then traveled to Stennis Space Center where they toured Aerojet Rocketdyne, a world recognized aerospace leader in propulsions. It is here that large liquid rocket engines are assembled and tested.

Naval Special Warfare Center for Maritime training and Riverine Warfare was the next stop for the students. Here, the students met with the Commanding Officer and members of Special Boat Team 22, who specialize in riverine missions, often in support of SEALS.  The students toured the facility and were able to board one of the riverine craft.

The full day came to a close at Rolls-Royce Outdoor Jet Engine test facility at Stennis Space Center.   Anthony Woodard, General Manager, discussed career opportunities with the students as well as why Stennis Space Center was a good home for their company.  Students were taken on a tour of the facility and were able to see the new $50 million outdoor jet engine test stand up close.

“It is such a treat for us to tour the Port and Stennis and to visit the businesses that operate there because, although students know vaguely about their existence, they are often unaware of the technological and manufacturing potential of Hancock County. If these young leaders are thinking about STEM or skilled manufacturing, they know they can work in these occupations right here at home,” said Rhonda Rhodes, director of HYLA.  The economic development tour was the fourth session for the high school juniors participating in the HYLA program.

Picture:  HYLA students on the riverine craft:  (left to right):  Aviana Nash (Bay High), Sarah Prine (Hancock),  Loretta Resor (Bay High), Camaryn Bush (Bay High), Connor Sutherlin (Bay High), CDR Chuck Hayes, Tyler Butler (Hancock), West Zimmerman (SSC), Ryan Pitalo (SSC), Beth Shiyou (Hancock), Catherine Colbert (OLA), Victoria Power (OLA), Sofia Aderer (Bay High), Maggie Kowalski (OLA), Addie Haas (Bay High), Mason Favre (SSC), Don Yul Kim (SSC), Mitchell Walk (SSC), Tommy Reeder (SSC), Emily Stolz (Hancock), Allyson Perkins (Hancock), Michael Shirah (SSC), Hannah Ladner (Hancock), Trey Labat (SSC), Conner Ladner (Bay High)

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