TUPELO - The Cellular South GumTree Festival rewards quality at Tupelo and Lee County high schools, as well as on the grounds of the Lee County Courthouse.

In the 2009 scholarship competition, Abby Nichols of Saltillo High School claimed the $750 top prize for her art portfolio. Kirstie Manning from Shannon High School earned second place, a $500 scholarship.

"We have never reviewed as many strong portfolios as we did this year," said Tina Lutz, festival director. "It was tough for the judges to pick the top winners because there were so many excellent entries.

Tupelo High School's Megan Lynn Nash won a $150 senior merit scholarship, as did Tabatha Biggerstaff, THS, and Jennifer Lollar, Saltillo High.

You'll find examples of the winning work at www.gumtreemuseum.com.

In addition to the high school awards, several artists at the festival were singled out for their work. Here's a look at the winners:

- Graphics/photo/drawing - Kathleen Fetters, first; Roy Adkins, second; Lowry Wilson, third.

- Glass - Jerry Hymel, first; Jeff and Jakey Felix, second; Roger Styer, third.

- Jewelry - Luis Espinoza, first; David and Ann Reif, second; Marianne Hanson, third.

- Clay - Rodney Lemonier, first; Jason Wilson, second; Lester Jones, third.

- Sculpture - Richard McGehee, first; Robert and Delores Wells, second; Tim Pace, third.

- Painting - Felix Berrora, first; Charles Gatewood, second; Rick Anderson, third.

- Traditional crafts - Joe Wujcik, first; Deborah Stevens, second; Gene Smith, third.

- Watercolor/mixed media - Elayne Goodman, first; Toby Klein, second; Liz Williams, third.

- Best in show - Helene Fielder, clay.

- Songwriters - Stevie Woolworth and Kelly Owen, first; Hal Pitts, second; Jordan Mallory, third.

Contact M. Scott Morris at (662) 678-1589 or scott.morris@djournal.com.