Alyssa Kotanko. a grade 6 student at St- Mark Catholic Elementary School has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Warren & District Lions Club.

Alyssa’s poster was among more than 375,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 23rd annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world Peace to young people everywhere.

“Peace on earth and goodwill toward human kind”, the 11 years old from Markstay said. The posters were selected by the school’s administration for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme “Vision of Peace”. The judging was held at the end of October at the school.

Markstay & District Lions Club President, Lion Steven Olsen, said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at St- Mark School. “It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. I’m so proud that we were able to provide them the opportunity to share their visions”

Kotanko’ s poster will advance to face stiff competition through the district, multiple and international rounds of competition if they are declared the international grand prize winner,” Lion Steven Olsen said.

One 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 the awards ceremony at Lions Day with the United Nations. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of US$500.

“Our club is cheering for Alyssa as her poster advance in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Lion Steven Oslen said.

Locally, Alyssa will be honoured for her participation by the Warren & District Lions Club on November 25th at their award recognition ceremony.

View international grand prize and merit award winners at www.lionsclubs.org.