Carol Pattison poses with her winning poster.
Carol Pattison, a 6th grade student at Goshen Middle School has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Goshen lions Club. Pattison’s poster was among more than 375,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 27th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

The poster was selected by members of the Goshen Lions Club for its originality, artistic merit, and portrayal of the contest theme, “Peace, Love and Understanding.” The judging was held on October 27 at the Lions Club monthly meeting.

Goshen Lions Club President Andy Evans said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Goshen Schools. “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.”

“Pattison’s poster will advance to face stiff competition through the district, multiple district and international rounds of competition if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner,” Evans said.

One grand prizewinner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of $5,000, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to an award ceremony. The 23 merit awards winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

Locally, Pattison and five other students were honored for their participation by the Goshen Lions Club on November 3 at school. Runners up were Hailey Widner, Megan Lucas, Chloe Johnson, McKenna Hill, and Adalyn Middick.

View international grand prize and merit award winners at www.lionsclub.org. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 clubs in 208 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its efforts toward conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world.