Keana Pitcher, grade 7 student at Boothbay Region Elementary School, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Boothbay Region Lions Club.

Keana’s poster is among 600,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 31st annual Lions International Peace Poster. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

Lions Club president Karen Nickerson said she was impressed by the expression and creativity of Keana’s poster. The poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit and portrayed the contest theme, “Kindness Matters.” Lions committee members Mary Tilton and Wendy Greenleaf helped in the selection and were also impressed with Keana’s work.

Keana’s poster will advance for further competition through the district, multiple district and international rounds of competition. One 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 an award ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

Our Lions Club is cheering for Keana and her poster as it advances and we hope her vision will be shared around the world.

The club would like to thank BRES art teacher, Jessica Nadeau, for her help with this contest. Keana was awarded locally a $50 cash prize and certificate.