Poster contest winners named

Naomi Frazier, 6th grade art student, shows her teacher Zina Mitchell and Lions club secretary Tony Cain the poster that won her the first place prize of $75 in the Lions Club Peace Poster contest. Submitted photo

SIKESTON -- Naomi Frazier, 6th grade art student at the Sikeston 5th/6th grade center, was selected recently as the first place winner in the Peace Poster contest sponsored by the Lions Club of Sikeston.

St. Francis Xavier school 7th grader Selena Priggel's entry took second place, while Ally Nelson, 6th grade artist at the Sikeston 5th/6th grade center, placed third.

Naomi's outstanding poster was also awarded second place in competition at the district level. The posters were judged by local Lions for originality, artistic merit, and portrayal of the contest theme "peace, love, and understanding".

Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the program to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

This fall, the Lions Club of Sikeston sought contest entries from area 6th and 7th grade art students. Five area schools were invited to become a part of the competition. Over twenty students from the Sikeston 5th and 6th grade center and St. Francis Xavier School submitted posters for judging. Posters are judged locally, at the district level, and eventually in competition with submissions from Lions Clubs worldwide.

The international Grand Prize winner receives $5,000 and a trip to a special awards ceremony at the United Nations in New York City. While the competition has been held on the international level for over twenty years, this was the first time the Sikeston club had participated.

Lions Club of Sikeston President Rodney McConnell said the local club was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students.

"It's obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. We're so pleased that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions. We look forward to making this contest an annual project of the Sikeston Lions."

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1 million members in 208 countries 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. Lions Club of Sikeston is actively seeking prospective new members.

If you have one hour per week you can spare to help make your community a better place to live and work, we may have a place for you. Contact any Lion to find out more about becoming involved with this dynamic, committed group of civic-minded men and women.