Picayune Colored High School
Picayune's first public high school for African Americans was established here in 1918. John Prentiss (J.P.) Johnson served as principal from 1943 to 1950, when a new school was constructed at another location in Picayune. He continued as principal at the new school, known as Carver High School, until integration in 1970. Johnson's first graduating class as principal in 1944 consisted of two students: Lula Mae Brown and Lou Ela Roche (Lather) were valedictorian and salutatorian respectively.