Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Filipino Girl, 13, Wins Grand Prize in Lions International Peace Poster Contest

Kristopher Kempski

OAK BROOK, IL, USA, Feb. 10, 2012 – Trisha Co Reyes, a 13-year-old girl from Manila,
Philippines, has been named the grand prize winner in the 24th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest.
“In my painting, the hidden child is me,” Reyes said. “Exhibited are children from all over the world who have love, freedom, unity and peace.”
Reyes’ winning poster was chosen for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of this year’s theme “Children Know Peace.”

“We children can do our part by studying hard and planting trees to save and protect Mother Earth,” Reyes said.

Reyes’ poster was chosen from the 126 posters from 60 countries that made it to the international level of judging after being narrowed down at local levels. Annually, more than 350,000 entries are drawn by children ages 11 to 13.
Grand Prize WinnerAs the grand prize winner, Reyes will receive US$5,000 and a trip to a special awards ceremony at Lions Day with the United Nations in New York City. She will be accompanied by her mother, sister and the president of the Manila Centennial Lions Club, which sponsored the annual contest at her school, St. Stephen’s High School.

“We are so proud of Trisha winning the grand prize in this important contest,” said Dennis Go, president of the Manila Centennial Lions Club. “This contest helps the members of my club to support local youth and to encourage peace and understanding everywhere.”

“Lions around the world believe in promoting peace and the importance of encouraging young people to think creatively,” said Lions Clubs International President Wing-Kun Tam.

In addition to the grand prize winner, each of the 23 merit award winners will receive a certificate and US$500. This year’s merit award winning children live in Brazil, China, Colombia, England, Guam, Iceland, India, Japan, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Republic of South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States (Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, New Hampshire and North Carolina).

The 24 finalists’ Peace Posters will be featured prominently at the 95th annual Lions Clubs International Convention in Busan, South Korea. Visit the Lions Clubs International Web site, www.lionsclubs.org, to view winning Peace Posters, learn more about the contest and send Peace Poster e-cards. Currently, Lions all around the world are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the contest by encouraging youth in their communities to express their feelings of peace.

Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization, is made up of 1.35 million men and women in 207 countries and geographical locations throughout the world. Lions created the Peace Poster Contest to foster a spirit of peace and international understanding in young people worldwide.

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