Long Beach student wins statewide art award

Special to Long Beach Breeze

Miller McDaniel with Treasurer David McRae

Miller McDaniel of Long Beach, a student at Quarles Elementary School, was recently named the first place winner in the early elementary division of the 2026 Mississippi College and Career Savings Art Contest winners. McDaniel, along with other award winners, was honored with a reception at the Mississippi Museum of Art. A total of twelve students and one teacher took home $8,000 worth of scholarships during the event.

“Every year, I’m amazed by what these students produce,” said Mississippi Treasurer David McRae. “If students can dream it, they can be it. Their futures should be limitless. Hopefully these Mississippi Affordable College Savings (MACS) account scholarships will push students towards their dreams. 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, students competed for MACS scholarships. MACS was recently ranked by Forbes as the top sixth program in the country. As a first place winner, McDaniel received a $1,000 scholarship in the form of a Mississippi Affordable College Savings (MACS) account.

MACS is a nationally ranked 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 the 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, visit Treasury.MS.gov/MACS