Port Arthur public education enthusiasts might have gleaned some comfort from presentations by education leaders, but also by students themselves.

Lamar State College Port Arthur President Betty Reynard and Dr. Mark Porterie, Port Arthur Independent School District superintendent, delivered hopeful messages about the local two-year college and the public schools, both of which are offering career-oriented education programs, at the Port Arthur Education Foundation’s annual luncheon at the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center.

Reynard’s campus is offering some 14 programs to prepare students for the workforce; Port Arthur ISD, 11. Reynard hinted that as early as fall 2020, her campus may add an additional workforce prep program — this one in culinary arts — in downtown Port Arthur at the site of the old Port Arthur News building. The campus would partner with the Port Arthur Economic Development Corp. for that program.

Reynard said the trend of double-digit enrollment growth continues on her campus, and said that LSCPA earned inclusion for the second consecutive time among the nation’s top 150 two-year schools, according to the Aspen Institute.

Porterie touted his school system’s 2018-19 success, which included reopening administration building and either completing or launching construction on several new school campuses.

Both pointed with pride to the Woodrow Wilson Early College High School, where Port Arthur students can earn their high school and associate’s degrees simultaneously. The first class of high schools will graduate next year, as the school expands to four years.

A half-dozen Port Arthur students in career-oriented programs took the microphone to explain their training disciplines to luncheon guests — about 320 attended the event — and how they will fit into the workforce when they complete their studies. Career-oriented students — about 120 seniors are in the work program — also sat with supporting businesses and industries around the luncheon.

Joe Tant, the Foundation’s executive director, said this was the first year that both LSCPA and the PAISD both exhibited. College recruitment officers were on hand to explain existing programs at the two-year school, and how Port Arthur high school students in career training could continue their educations at Lamar State College.