Brinkley Reeves and Joseph Mendoza, students at Miller Middle School and Goodnight Middle School, took the first step to becoming internationally recognized artists by winning a local competition sponsored by the San Marcos Bluebonnet Lions Club. Reeves’ and Mendoza’s posters were among more than 600,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 31st annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.
“Peace is Great,” the 11-year-old from Miller Middle School said. The 12-year-old from Goodnight Middle School wrote on his entry form, “Peace should be about people treating each other the same.” The posters were judged for their originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Kindness Matters.” The judging was held in December at The San Marcos Public Library.
San Marcos Bluebonnet Lions Club President Trish Wilder said she was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at both Miller and Goodnight Middle Schools. “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.”
Goodnight Miller School contest winners left to right: Belinda Bourne (Goodnight art teacher holding 3rd place poster), Maricela Vasquez (2nd place), Letizia Cabrera (runner up), Matthew Pineda (runner up), Lion Carol Peters (project chair), 1st place winner Joseph Mendoza is not shown.
The local winners each won a $40 cash prize and their posters advanced to the District Lions contest. The grand prize in the international contest includes a cash award of $5,000 plus a trip for the winner and two family members to a special awards ceremony.
“The San Marcos Bluebonnet Lions Club cheered for Brinkley and Joseph as their posters advanced in the competition, and we hope that their vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Trish Wilder said.
More information about the San Marcos Bluebonnet Lions Club, is available at Bluebonnet Lions' website.
