Pinay tops Lions Int'l peace poster contest

MANILA, Philippines - Trisha Co Reyes, a 13-year-old girl from Manila, won the grand prize in the 24th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest held in Oak Brook, Illinois recently.

“In my painting, the hidden child is me,” Reyes said. “Exhibited are children from all over the world who have love, freedom, unity and peace.”

Reyes’ winning poster was chosen for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of this year’s theme “Children Know Peace.”

“We children can do our part by studying hard and planting trees to save and protect Mother Earth,” Reyes said.

Her poster was chosen from 126 entries from 60 countries that made it to the international level of judging. Annually, more than 350,000 entries are drawn by children ages 11 to 13.

As the grand prize winner, Reyes will receive $5,000 and a trip to a special awards ceremony at Lions Day with the United Nations in New York City. She will be accompanied by her mother, sister and Dennis Go, president of the Manila Centennial Lions Club, which sponsored the annual contest at her school, St. Stephen’s High School.

“We are so proud of Trisha winning the grand prize in this important contest,” said Go. “This contest helps the members of my club to support local youth and to encourage peace and understanding everywhere.”

 “Lions around the world believe in promoting peace and the importance of encouraging young people to think creatively,” said Lions Clubs International president Wing-Kun Tam.

In addition to the grand prize winner, 23 merit award winners will receive a certificate and $500.

The 24 finalists’ Peace Posters will be featured prominently at the 95th annual Lions Clubs International Convention in Busan, South Korea. Visit the Lions Clubs International website www.lionsclubs.org. to view winning Peace Posters, learn more about the contest and send Peace Poster e-cards. 

Lions all around the world are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the contest by encouraging youth in their communities to express their feelings of peace.