Showcasing Student Talent Across Mississippi and Louisiana
Millsaps College welcomed middle and high school students from across Mississippi and Louisiana for its annual Middle and High School Art Competition, a juried exhibition celebrating young artistic talent and creativity.
Kaylin Harris of Wells APAC, poses with her artwork.
The competition received nearly 200 entries, representing a wide range of media, styles and artistic perspectives. After careful review, the jury selected just over 100 pieces to be included in the exhibition.
Judging was conducted by a diverse panel that included Millsaps art faculty, Millsaps art alumni, practicing artists and experts from the Mississippi Museum of Art.
2024 Millsaps alum & Jackson Prep art teacher, Mary Noble Howard, shares about her Millsaps experience.
“This competition allows students to see their work taken seriously in a collegiate gallery setting, which can be an incredibly powerful experience,” said Stacey Gaines, vice president of marketing and communications at Millsaps College, “It also reflects Millsaps’ deep commitment to the arts and to supporting young artists as they explore their creativity and consider what their future could look like.”
Awards were presented in two divisions, Middle School and High School, with each division recognizing seven honorable mentions as well as first-, second- and third-place awards. The Best of Show honor went to Andre’ Clay, a sophomore at Wells APAC, for his work, In the Spirit.
Two guests enjoying the entries.
2026 Millsaps College Middle and High School Art Competition Winners
Middle School Division
Honorable Mentions
Eliott Harp, Wells APAC, “A Boy and His Pup”
Semaj Bryant, Wells APAC, “Peace and Quiet”
Jack Jones, Germantown Middle, “A Dad and His Duckling”
Zanna Little, Germantown Middle, “Life Over Time Becomes Death”
Makayla Thurman, Cardozza Middle, “Catfish”
Zanna Little, Germantown Middle, “Gentle Giant”
Lucos Ma, Jackson Prep, “Israel’s Journey”
Third Place: Brooks Fortenberry, Wells APAC, “The Climbers”
Second Place: Justice Sutton, Wells APAC, “A Cool Drink”
First Place: Jasper Powell, Wells APAC, “The Fisherman”
Paige McLin from St. Andrew’s High School with her entry “Two Good Dudes.”
High School Division
Honorable Mentions
Charlize Clark, DeSoto Central High School, “Cake”
Jordyn Sledge, Wells APAC, “Teeth: Bite, Chomp, Break”
Aubrea Caldwell, Wells APAC, “A Trip to the Dentist”
Charlize Clark, DeSoto Central High School, “Gratitude”
Destynee Younger, Wells APAC, “How Do You See Me Now?”
Alexis Gypson, Wells APAC, “Neon Fleur”
Gale Cole, Wells APAC, “A Boy in the Girl’s Room”
Third Place: Simms Powell, Wells APAC, “Dada”
Second Place: Destynee Younger, Wells APAC, “Smile”
First Place: Andre’ Clay, Wells APAC, “In the Spirit”