Annually, Lions Club International sponsors a competition referred to as the Peace Poster competition. This competition is aimed at bringing out the artistic talents of Middle School students throughout the United States and the world. The competition held in Culpeper is led by the Mid-Day Lions club. The member charged with the responsibility for arranging this competition with the middle schools is the Grand Dame of the Mid-Day club, Ms. Lawanna Stanton.
This year’s contest was held on the 10th of November at the Culpeper Middle School and the 13th of November at F.T. Binns. Each of these contest had four (4) contestants. The completion was spirited and the judges had a difficult choice in selecting the winners.
The winning Culpeper Middle School contestant was Stephanie Chicas and the second place contestant was Vilma Flora Kivera. The First Place finisher at F.T. Binns was Lauren Herrera while second place went to Isabella Hardaway. The winners at each school receives a prize of $50.00 while the second place finishers receives $25.00.
The posters from the winners have been sent to the District Governor’s office where a contest will be held to determine the District winners. The winner of this competition will have their poster forwarded to the Headquarters of the International Lions organization. This organization will host an international competition. The winner will receive a cash prize of $5,000 and 23 merit award winners will receive a cash prize of $500.00.
It is extremely gratifying to the members of the Mid-Day Lions club to sponsor this event. The joy on the faces of the contestants, even those that fall short in the judging makes it worth the effort and expense of sponsoring the competition.