Rosalyn Diaz, a student at Fillmore Middle School, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning the local competition sponsored by the Fillmore Lions Club.

Rosalyn’s poster was among more than 50 entries in the contest. There are over 380,000 entries submitted world wide in the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest each year. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

The theme for this year was: “Kindness Matters.” Rosalyn’s poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit, and portrayal of the contest theme.

The judges were again impressed by the expression and creativity of the students’ art. It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. Fillmore Lions Club is proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions with other students and our city.

Miss Diaz’s poster will advance to face stiff competition through the district, multiple districts 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 US $5,000, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to the awards ceremony at Lions Day with the United Nations. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of US $500.

Runner-up students were Ella Ochoa, and Paola Ruiz. All participants are students in Mrs. Doris Nichols' art class at Fillmore Middle School.

The Lions Club would like to thank the School Board for encouraging teachers and students to get involved in all types of education.

The judges had a very difficult time in the selection.

Mrs. Nichols is commended for her assistance in this annual event.