Joppatowne, November 17, 2014 — Grace Bennett, a 7th grade student at Magnolia Middle School, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Joppatowne Lions Club.
Bennett’s poster was among more than 450,000 entries submitted worldwide in the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the program to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.
“I believe the dove to be a symbol of peace, so I drew a dove with some of the flags from different countries in it and children of different races riding on the neck of the dove,” the 13-year-old from Joppatowne said. The poster was selected by members of the Joppatowne Lions Club for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Peace, Love and Understanding.” The judging was held on November 1, 2014 at the Joppatowne Lions Club.
Joppatowne Lions Club President Keith Williams said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of Grace Bennett. “It is obvious that she has strong ideas about what peace means to her. I’m so proud that we were able to provide her with the opportunity to share her visions.”
“Grace Bennett’s poster will advance through the district, multiple district and international levels of competition if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner,” Williams said.
One international grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of US$5,000, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to a special award ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of US$500.
“Our club is cheering for Grace as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Williams said.
Grace Bennett was honored for her participation by the Joppatowne Lions Club on November 6, 2014 at Giovanni’s Restaurant.
View past international grand prize winners at www.lionsclubs.org. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.35 million members in 208 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world.
