Mia Balestracci, a 6th grade student at Old Hammondtown School has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club.
Mia’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 member Helene Rose and school staff members for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Lead with Compassion. “
Mattapoisett Lions Club President Kimberly Ray said she was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Old Hammondtown. “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.”
Mia’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,” Ray said.
One international grand prize winner 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 a special award ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.
“Our club is cheering for Mia as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Ray said.
Locally, Mia and numerous other students were honored for their participation by the Mattapoisett Lions Club on Tuesday, November 22 at Old Hammondtown School.
Mia was awarded a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card. Second place recipient Paige Mailleaux was awarded a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card and third place was awarded to Morgan Osborne who received a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card.
Members of the Mattapoisett Lions Club wish to thank Mr. Tavares, the wonderful educators at Old Hammondtown School and parents for their continued support of The Peace 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 1.35 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.