By The Abington Lions
Phoebe Wang, a sixth grade student at Abington Middle School, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Abington Lions Club.
Wang’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.
“Everyone has their own differences, but peace brings equality, no matter how different they are,” said Wang, 12.
The poster was selected by the faculty and staff from the Abington Middle School for its originality, artistic merit, and portrayal of the contest theme, “We Are All Connected.”
The judging was held on November 29th at the school.
Wang and 142 other students were honored for their participation by the Abington Lions Club on December 10, at the Abington Middle School.
Local prizes were awarded to Wang and second through fifth place winners Bianca Duarte, Juliette Campbell, Gracie Poirier and Layla Clark. All participants’ artwork will be on display at the Abington Public Library during January and February.
Abington Lions Club President Dianne Winslow said she was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at the Abington Middle 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 with the opportunity to share their visions,” she said.
“Wang’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,” Winslow said.
Wang’s poster was also the District 33 S winner and advanced to the multiple district (state) level competition.
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 Phoebe as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Winslow said.
Abington Lions Club Contest Chairperson Kathryn Salem expressed her thanks to art teacher Kelly Woodrow for her exceptional efforts in promoting this event and teaching about peace via art, and to Principal Matthew MacCurtain for his ongoing encouragement of this event in the school each year.
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 210 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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.