NEMCC hosts annual high school art competition
Artwork showcases talent from five-county artists
BOONEVILLE, Miss. -- (04/01/2026) — Northeast Mississippi Community College's Art Department recently hosted its annual High School Art Competition for the 2025-2026 academic year, bringing together student-artists from across its five-county service area of Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union counties.
Students from schools throughout the district displayed their creativity in categories including Painting/Mixed Media; 3-D Design/Ceramics; Drawing (Black and White); Drawing (Color); Printmaking, Photography, and Digital; and 2-D Design.
More than 20 students earned awards for their work in this year's show.
Corinth High School's Abigail Presley captured Best in Show honors for her wearable piece titled "Lion Without Teeth." The winning design, created for one of Corinth High School's Academic and Performing Arts Center theatrical productions, captivated judges with its craftsmanship and depth.
In addition to the top overall award, Corinth High School students collected nine total honors, including two first-place finishes.
Booneville High School students earned seven awards and one first-place recognition, followed by Alcorn Central with five awards, also including a first place, and Belmont High School with four awards, one being a first place.
Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Those unable to attend in person may enjoy a virtual version of the show presented in partnership with the Office of Public Information.
Northeast's online gallery tour is available on the college's official YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/nemcctv.
2026 NEMCC High School Art Competition Winners
Best in Show - Abigail Presley - "Lion Without Teeth" - Corinth
Painting / Mixed Media
1st - Abigail Presley - "Light in the Dark" - Corinth
2nd - Sawyer Pounders - "Just Jane" - Booneville
3rd - Carley Foster - "Luke 16:10" - Booneville
Honorable Mentions - Shelby Brisendine - "Majestic Cat" - Alcorn Central; Peyton Gadbaw - "Fairy" - Belmont
3-D Design / Ceramics
1st - Amanda Thompson - "Fairy Cookie Jar" - Alcorn Central
2nd - Presley Moss - "Sonic on My Mind" - Corinth
3rd - Rebekah Presley - "Gingerbread Dreams" - Corinth
Drawing (Black and White)
1st - Aylin Hernandez - "Sophie's First" - Corinth
2nd - Witt Dalton - "Capitol Building" - Corinth
3rd - Isaac Snodgrass - "Best Friend" - Alcorn Central
Honorable Mention - Jayden Cartes - "Eggs" - Belmont
Drawing (Color)
1st - Mackenzie Martin - "Suspended in Spring" - Booneville
2nd - Karson Johnson - "Two Colorful Tomatoes" - Alcorn Central
3rd - McKinley Voyles - "Caladium" - Alcorn Central
Honorable Mention - Milca Felix - "Lunch" - Corinth
Printmaking / Photography / Digital
1st - Abigail Presley - "Curiosity" - Corinth
2nd - Mackenzie Martin - "Playground Portal" - Booneville
3rd - Lori Jo Lowery - "Butterflies" - Belmont
Honorable Mention - Claire Gardner - "No Filter Needed" - Booneville
2-D Design
1st - Harper Holt - "Tiger Teeth" - Belmont
2nd - Mackenzie Martin - "Scrappy Swimmers" - Booneville
3rd - Lyric McKissick - "Flavor Brick" - Booneville
Honorable Mention - Abigail Presley - "Henry the Hummingbird" - Corinth
--NEMCC--
Information about Northeast Mississippi Community College
Northeast Mississippi Community College is a leading educational institution that provides comprehensive academic, technical, and workforce training programs to empower students and promote lifelong learning. With a commitment to excellence, Northeast Mississippi Community College fosters a supportive environment that prepares individuals for success in their chosen fields.
For more information about Northeast Mississippi Community College, visit http://www.nemcc.edu.
Media Attachments
Corinth High School’s Abigail Presley captured Best in Show honors at the Northeast Mississippi Community College high school student art show for her wearable piece titled “Lion Without Teeth.” The winning design, created for one of Corinth High School’s Academic and Performing Arts Center theatrical productions, captivated judges with its craftsmanship and depth.
- Booneville, MS
- Booneville, MS