Valentina Hermoso, a sixth grade student at Old Hammondtown School, has taken the first step toward becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club.
Valentina’s poster is 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.
The poster was selected by Lions Club members Helene Rose and Debbie Bailey for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Harmony in Humanity.”
Mattapoisett Lions Club President Paul Stubbs stated that he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Old Hammondtown School.
“It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what compassion means to them. I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions,” he said. “Valentina’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.”
One international grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a $5,000 cash award, 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 $500 cash award.
“Our club is cheering for Valentina as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Stubbs said.
Locally, Valentina and numerous other students were honored for their participation by the Mattapoisett Lions Club on Monday, October 26, at Old Hammondtown School.
Valentina was awarded a $100 Barnes and Noble Gift Card.
Second place recipient Henry Kanaly was awarded a $75 Barnes and Noble gift card; third place was awarded to Rosie Palomo, who received a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card; and fourth place was awarded to Oliver Costa, who received a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card.
Honorable mentions go out to Lucy Poulos, Avery Klein, Corey Watlington, Hannah Beaumont, Mallan Emmons and Ana Buckner.
Members of the Lions Club wish to thank Ms. Chamberlin, Mrs. Letourneau and the wonderful educators at Old Hammondtown School and parents for their continued support of The Lions Poster Contest Project.
View past international grand prize winners at www.lionsclubs.org. Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 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.
New members are always welcome. Please contact us at mattlionsclub@gmail.com.