NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Alexi Vaughn and Sarah Williamson proved their skills early in art class at New Madrid County Central High School, catching the attention of their teacher Whitney Chasteen.

Over their four years at NMCC, each young woman earned handfuls of ribbons, medals and certificates. Chasteen's insistence they compete against other young artists has brought them local, regional and statewide appreciation for their talent.

As a junior and this year as a senior, Vaughn took the top honors at the Missouri Art Educators Association spring conference student art show with her drawings. At this year's Kennett Alliance for the Arts show, she won best of show.

At the same Kennett art show, Williamson won first place with one of her photographs, and one of her works was purchased by an admirer. She earned third place at the 34th annual Student Art Exhibition at Southeast Missouri State University, where her junior year she earned first and second place.

Chasteen couldn't be prouder of her students' success.

"They are really both very good. They have very much excelled in class," she said about Vaughn and Williamson. "I try to put them in every show I can."

It is a point of pride to represent their school and families when competing against others for art honors. However, Chasteen said the biggest incentive is the recognition for their efforts.

"It is one thing for me as teacher to say they are good, but when a complete stranger recognizes their talent, that gives them a big boost in self-confidence," said Chasteen.

Working with the students throughout high school, Chasteen said both had a willingness to learn the basics and work hard.

"I would say of these two students their biggest assets are ... they are focused and their drive," she said. "They have a unique perspective, a creative perspective. But more than anything is their attention to detail."

Vaughn credits her interest in art to her family, noting everyone is artistic. She remembers enjoying drawing in the third grade.

Williamson enjoyed art, but said she wasn't really sure why she decided to take up photography. Pausing briefly she said she remembered seeing her brothers having their senior photos taken in high school.

"I thought it was really cool," she said about watching the photographer work.

Later she began experimenting with her iPhone camera, downloading various apps to edit the photos she took.

The two seniors tease each other as they talk about their art and their similarities

Both said they are their toughest critics. They agreed when they took their first course with Chasteen, they weren't so sure her class was for them.

Williamson said it was tough as their teacher concentrated the basics of drawings in the freshman class. They agreed they didn't think they needed to learn how to draw circles and squares or understood the point of drawing a crumpled up paper bag.

"I remember thinking this class is a joke," Williamson said. "But that stuff is what is helping me today. That is what I fall back on."

Vaughn added, "You don't think when you are learning it that it matters, but it does. If you don't have the basics, you aren't as good as you can be."

While it is nice winning honors, the seniors said the art classes have provided much more.

Vaughn said it has taught her patience.

"I have ADD. To sit down and paint really helps with ADD," she explained.

And art can be stressful, too.

Williamson said her friends call her "Negative Nancy" because she is so judgmental of her work. Yet, when a project is complete, she likes the feeling of looking back and "knowing I'm done with that."

Vaughn said she doesn't listen to the critics.

"I know what I need to do," she said. "It is hard to make myself happy. I want to be perfect but I can't be. Perfection doesn't exist."

As seniors, they also had advice for underclassmen. Taking art classes requires a commitment in time and effort, they said.

Williamson recommended being open-minded and to think outside of the box.

"Do something just because it is different, not because your friends think it is cool," she said.

"At first you need to pay attention, to learn everything," Vaughn said, "Then take away what you have learned and trust in yourself to create anything you want."

In choosing her subjects, Vaughn said she wants her art to tell a story.

One of her pictures she described as a drawing weaving several pictures to create one work that tells a story of addiction.

"Lately, I'm creating anything that comes to mind," Vaughn said. "Some people say I'm good at drawing but I like painting better. I like the color ... the blending of the colors ... It is more challenging."

While Williamson has won honors with her photography, she also enjoys drawing and other forms of art. Her art has helped her excel in graphic arts and following graduation this May, Williamson said she plans to major in graphic arts in college.

Vaughn is pragmatic about her art. "

I would like to [continue with art] but it is kind of hard to sell paintings," she said. "The world isn't kind to starving artists."

She plans to be a certified registered nurse anesthetist following graduation.

Whether they take what they have learned and turn it into a career or not, their teacher said she is gratified to watch the young artists develop over the past four years.

"I hope they will continue to excel and grow as artists," Chasteen said. "I always tell all my students, art is always a way to express yourself, and to never stop being creative no matter what they chose for their life and career. I've really enjoyed having [Vaughn and Williamson] as students all four years."

For those who would like to see works by Vaughn, Williamson and other art students at New Madrid County Central, the school's judged art show may be viewed during school hours May 3, 6 and 7, with an open house scheduled from 5:30-7 p.m. May 7.