High School Artists Shine at LCC’s 36th Annual Art Competition and Exhibition

Parsons, KS – Labette Community College (LCC) welcomed student artists, educators, and community members to campus for the 36th Annual High School Art Competition and Exhibition, bringing together 11 area high schools and approximately 175 students for a day centered on creativity, exploration, and recognition.

Held inside the Zetmeir Family Athletic Complex, this year’s exhibition featured an impressive range of work across painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, sculpture, digital arts, fiber arts, and mixed media. Throughout the morning, students had the opportunity to view one another’s work before gathering for the afternoon awards ceremony.

Kansas-based visual artist Liz Darling served as this year’s juror, offering thoughtful critique and perspective during the judging process.

LCC Art Professor, Burt Bucher reflected on the event, noting the strength and originality of the work on display. “It has been an absolute privilege to witness the sheer caliber of work presented at this year's competition. From the intricate detail of traditional drawing media to the bold color and brushwork in the paintings, the diversity of styles on display speaks to a generation of young Kansas artists who aren't afraid to push boundaries.

Every piece in this exhibition is a testament to months of disciplined hard work and creativity. These students didn't just complete assignments; they poured their unique perspectives into their craft, and the result is a collection that is as technically impressive as it is emotionally resonant. We are incredibly proud to provide a platform for such exceptional young talent.”

Top honors of the day included the Best of Show award, presented to Leo Norman of Pittsburg High School for Unoriginal Sin. Full results from the competition are as follows:

Best of Show
Unoriginal Sin – Leo Norman (Pittsburg High School)

Painting
1st – Forgetting Myself – Tiga Teegerstrom (Neodesha High School)
2nd – Generative – Chesney Wilkes (Neodesha High School)
3rd – Bath Thoughts – Sasha Masters (Frontenac High School)
HM – BNSF 9158 – Leo Norman (Pittsburg High School)
HM – Fragile Giant – Jewel Endicott (Uniontown High School)

Drawing
1st – The Beast Within – Klara Stock (Uniontown High School)
2nd – Mantis – Karson Qualls (Frontenac High School)
3rd – Rush Hour in Fruitiger City – Simøn McDerment (Fort Scott High School)
HM – Fetch – Makiah Woods (Uniontown High School)
HM – Fish – Kylie Staples (Frontenac High School)

Printmaking
1st – Save Us – Ella Steinle (Prairie View High School)
2nd – Gone With The Wind – Ella Steinle (Prairie View High School)
3rd – Just Hanging Around – Paityn Hueston (Uniontown High School)

Photography
1st – Diner at Dusk – Leo Norman (Pittsburg High School)
2nd – No Curtain Call – Amaris Murillo (Prairie View High School)
3rd – Top City – Leo Norman (Pittsburg High School)
HM – Colors – Rhyan Cochran (Labette County High School)
HM – Sunrise – Adalyn Koppa (Fort Scott High School)

Ceramics
1st – A Vivid Dream – Melinzie Barnett (Prairie View High School)
2nd – Lavender Haze at Dawn – Kaylee Rhynerson (Prairie View High School)
3rd – So-Fish-Ticated – Danica Brake (Prairie View High School)
HM – Unexpressed Thoughts – Charly Gregg (Prairie View High School)
HM – Raw – Chesney Wilkes (Neodesha High School)

Sculpture
1st – Slow Death – (Prairie View High School)
2nd – The Watcher – Michael Baker (Prairie View High School)
3rd – Rosey Giraffe – Hunter Myers (Labette County High School)
HM – Coiled Silence – Melinzie Barnett (Prairie View High School)
HM – The Hollow Hare – Melinzie Barnett (Prairie View High School)

Digital Arts
1st – Frankenstein – Karson Qualls (Frontenac High School)
2nd – Self Reflection – Gabby Goss (Parsons High School)
3rd – Scratch Board Butterfly – Hailey Kautz (Frontenac High School)

Fiber Arts
1st – Jellyfish – Kayanna Emery (Pittsburg High School)
2nd – Cats – (Frontenac High School)
3rd – Pink Scarf – Hailie Feagan (Frontenac High School)

Mixed Media
1st – Gone with the Tide – Jewel Endicott (Uniontown High School)
2nd – The Kraken – Gabby Goss (Parsons High School)
3rd – The Thinking Machine – McKinley Sutton (Uniontown High School)
HM – Rain – Rhyan Cochran (Labette County High School)
HM – The Life After – Rhyan Cochran (Labette County High School)

Special Activity Winners
Junk Art Game – Sorren Schulz
Art Dice Game – Madie McClanahan
Photo Scavenger Hunt – Joseph Goetz

Now in its 36th year, the High School Art Competition continues to serve as a meaningful connection point between LCC and regional high school art programs. The event not only celebrates student achievement but also provides young artists with the opportunity to experience a collegiate setting, receive professional feedback, and share their work with a broader audience.

Labette Community College remains committed to supporting the arts and encouraging the next generation of creators. As participation continues to grow, the college looks forward to building on this tradition and welcoming even more student artists in the years ahead. To learn more about LCC’s Art Programs and the institution’s mission, visit labette.edu.