Hightower, M. L. “2011 Advanced Placement Studio Art Grant,” SC Department of Education, Grant Award, $15,100, 2011.

Hightower, M. L. “Circling Around the Problem,” Artists Guild of Spartanburg 38th Annual Juried Show, Spartanburg, SC, October, 2011.

Hightower, M. L. “Patriot’s Pride,” Appalachian Juried Art Show, (Received Award of Honor), Kingsport, TN, February 2011.

Hightower, M. L. “The Dancer,” Appalachian Juried Art Show, Kingsport, TN, February 2011.

Hightower, M. L. “Museum Connection: An Involvement of Pre-Service Art Teachers,” Presented at the Southeastern College Art Conference, Savannah, GA, November 2011.

Hightower, M. L. “Stained Glass Quilt,” Photograph selected for publication in Artists Among Us, Hub City Publications, Spartanburg, SC, November 2011.

Hightower, M. L. Columbia Museum of Art Outstanding Art Educator, Mac Arthur Goodwin Award, Columbia, SC, May 2011.

Hightower, M. “Advanced Placement Summer Teacher Institute – Studio Art (2010),” South Carolina Department of Education, Grant, $16,823.