The Gazebo Gazette
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — On Monday, May 12, 2025, the State Treasurer’s Office of Mississippi announced the 2025 Mississippi College and Career Savings Art Contest winners with a reception at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Twelve students and one teacher took home $8,000 worth of scholarships during the event.
“Every year, it amazes me what these students create,” said Treasurer McRae. “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.”
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 Treasury history! First place winners received a $1,000 scholarship in the form of a Mississippi Affordable College Savings (MACS) account. Second place received a $500 scholarship, and third place received a $250 scholarship.
Gaston “Gus” Simpson, a senior in the class of 2025 at Pass Christian High School, won the contest in his age group as the only student from the Mississippi Gulf Coast to earn the award.
MACS is a Mississippi 529 College and Career Savings plan offered through the Office of the State Treasurer. With MACS, families can open a tax-advantaged savings account for educational expenses. The money in these accounts can be used for college tuition and expenses. The funds can also be applied to secondary and elementary private tuition, apprenticeship programs, student loans, and more. For detailed information about the program, please visit Treasury.MS.gov/MACS.
