Anna Kippenberger, a 6th grade student, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club. Her poster was among more than 400,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 28th 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 for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme “Share Peace.” The judging was held on November 4 at Old Hammondtown School.
Mattapoisett Lions Club President Rob Haley said 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 peace means to them. I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions.”
“Kippenberger’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,” Haley said.
One grand prize winner and 23 merit 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 award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.
“Our club is cheering for Anna as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Haley said.
Kippenberger and the other Peace Poster participants were honored for their participation at morning assembly at Old Hammondtown School.
Many of the Peace Posters are now on display at the Mattapoisett Post Office. View international grand prize and merit award winners at www.lionsclubs.org.
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with 1.36 million members in more than 46,000 clubs in 210 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its efforts towards conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world.
On the local level, the Mattapoisett Lions Club is comprised of a group of dedicated, community-minded men and women who believe in reaching out to those in need. Projects include building and repairs of the shade sheds at the town beach and Ned’s Point, wheelchair ramps for those in need, electronic recycling events, canned goods and toy drive at the Holiday in the Park, Peace Poster and Youth Speech Competition, eye glass collection, Pennies for Sight canisters, annual Senior Turkey dinner in April and our signature event Harbor Days in July. With the help of the Rochester Lions Club, we cooked and delivered more than 600 meals to those in need in New York after Hurricane Sandy.
The Lion’s Club wishes to thank the Community, Town Government and School Administration for their continued support. To find out more about the Mattapoisett Lions Club, visit our website www.mattapoisettlionsclub.org or follow us on Facebook.