Several local students have taken the first step to becoming internationally recognized artists by winning their local competitions in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest. They include Mia Lee, a student at Albert Leonard Middle School; Keara Leaity, a student at the French-American School; Kayleigh Wishner, a student at Hommocks M.S.; Dylan White, a student at Rye Neck M.S.; and Lena Gilardi, a student at Saints John & Paul School.
The Lions Peace Poster Contest is an annual worldwide competition for children age 11 to 13, encouraging them to express their vision of world peace through art. This year’s theme, “Kindness Matters,” is particularly relevant for these times. Last year, more than 600,000 entries from all over the world competed, with the winning art entry from China.
A winning poster from each school was selected by a panel of judges based on originality, artistic merit, and portrayal of the contest theme. The five winning posters will advance through the district into the international competition, with the international winner announced at a United Nations event in the spring.
The local winners were honored for their participation by the Larchmont Mamaroneck and New Rochelle Lions Clubs on Nov. 8 during a special presentation at the Larchmont Village Center. The event was covered by Meghan Gill for LMC-TV. Copies of the winning posters will be displayed in the local libraries, and will also be provided to the participating schools for their own presentations.
In addition to the winners, the following students received honorable mentions:
Hanna Murphy and Nathalie Ranje from Albert Leonard M.S.; Madeleine Vuillermin and Sarah Pace from The French American School; Kaitlyn Thomas and Mary Maver from Hommocks M.S.; Monica Kosakowski and Sarah Sandberg from Rye Neck M.S.; and Carys Sammartano and James Brooks from Saints John & Paul School.
The Larchmont Mamaroneck and New Rochelle Lions worked with Sarah Suplina and Larene Del Guercio from Albert Leonard M.S.; Victoria Rolett from the French-American School; Nancy Revich from Hommocks M.S.; Trisha Appel from Rye Neck M.S.; and Angela Howard from Saints John & Paul to bring this contest to the community and provide these students with the opportunity to share their visions.