The 2025 Mississippi College and Career Savings Art Contest winners have been announced.
State Treasurer David McRae, whose office oversees the contest, along with 12 students and one teacher, gathered for a celebratory reception at the Mississippi Museum of Art. The contestants took home $8,000 worth of scholarships during the event.
The Mississippi College and Career Savings Art Contest is an annual event held by the State Treasurer’s Office. This year, more than 2,000 students competed for twelve scholarships, making it the most competitive year in its history.
First-place winners received a $1,000 scholarship in the form of a Mississippi Affordable College Savings account, a tax-advantaged plan for educational expenses. Second place received a $500 scholarship, and third place received a $250 scholarship. This year’s art contest winners include:
Age Group: Early Elementary (PreK-Grade 2)
- 1st Place: Henry Moore from Vardaman Attendance Center
- 2nd Place: Miller McDaniel from Quarles Elementary
- 3rd Place: Aurora Domingo from Madison Station Elementary School
Age Group: Elementary (Grades 3-5)
- 1st Place: Atharva Mantri from Northeast Lauderdale Middle School
- 2nd Place: Beau Frost from Ida B. Wells APAC
- 3rd Place: Jui Yen Hung from Overstreet Elementary School
Age Group: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
- 1st Place: Alexis Gypson from Ida B. Wells APAC
- 2nd Place: Nurin Mock from Ida B. Wells APAC
- 3rd Place: Benjamin Cummins from Ida B. Wells APAC
Age Group: High School (Grades 9-12)
- 1st Place: Gaston ‘Gus’ Simpson from Pass Christian High School
- 2nd Place: Jordyn Sledge from Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School
- 3rd Place: Kaylin Harris from Ida B. Wells APAC
Teacher
- Teacher of the Year: Jessica Johnson from McLaurin Elementary School
Johnson was awarded the $1,000 Educator Scholarship. She had 119 students submit art pieces this year. With the Educator Scholarship, she will be able to purchase art supplies for her classroom and cover other educational expenses, so she can continue to inspire young minds through art.
“Every year, it amazes me what these students create,” McRae said. “From chefs to dentists to elementary art teachers, Mississippi’s students have big dreams for their future. I’m hopeful these scholarships from Mississippi College and Career Savings will push students one step closer to achieving their dream jobs. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, and thank you to all who participated.”
More information about the state treasury’s Mississippi Affordable College Savings program can be found here.
