by Lucie Roy
Morinville – Three Georges H. Primeau students were selected from more than 30 entries in the 26th Annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. First-place winner Emma Van Brabant, second-place winner Grace Haynes, and third-place winner Kristen Gracie Strong posed with their winning entries Nov. 20. Making the presentation to the students were Morinville Lions Club President Colleen Turner and members Francis Fryters and Lucien Beaupre.
The three students have taken their first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning the local leg of the competition. Their posters are among the more than 450,000 entries submitted worldwide during the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest, a program designed to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.
Morinville Lions Club President Turner said she was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students. “It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them,” she said. “I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions.”
The theme this year was Our World, Our Future. Students could use a variety of mediums, including charcoal, crayon, pencil, and paint.
The first-place winning poster will need to advance through this district, and multiple district and international levels of competition to be declared the international grand prize winner. One international grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of US $5,000 or equivalency in Canadian dollars, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to a special award ceremony. The 23 merit winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of US $500 or equivalent.
Judges from the art, media, and youth development and humanitarian communities select 24 international finalists representing the more than 450,000 children who participate annually. Posters are shared globally via the Internet, social media, news outlets, and travelling exhibits.
Locally, the three winners from Primeau and three winners from Sturgeon Heights each receive a cheque. The first place posters will be judged Nov. 26 at the Lions District 37-L Peace Poster Contest Judging and Reception held at the St. Albert Community Hall.
Congratulations to all three winners. Good job Emma we are very proud of you ! Good to see that our future leaders have hope for world peace. Good luck Emma in advancing, you have our vote!