Kate Fiorelli, a 7th grade student at Polson Middle School, is this year’s first place winner in the annual Peace Poster competition sponsored by the Madison Lions Club. Fiorelli and 68 of her classmates aged 11 to 13 were among more than 600,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 31st annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest that emphasized the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

“Peace is the most important life skill to have,” Fiorelli said.

Fiorelli’s poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit, and portrayal of the contest theme, “Kindness Matters,” by local artists Beverly Schirmeier and Jay Babina. Her poster will advance to the district competition round and possibly to multiple district and international competitions.

Madison Lions Club President Don Williams said he was impressed by the sensitive expressions and creative work of the Polson students.

“These young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them, and we are honored to sponsor this platform to share their visions,” he said.

Judges selected entries by Chloe Smith for second place and Kelly Kilbourn for third place. All the students and their families were honored for their participation by the Madison Lions Club at a reception at the Madison Senior Center on Jan. 26. All 69 of the students’ posters were on display at the Polson Middle School during the month of January.

Internationally, 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 at the United Nations in New York City. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

For more information about the Madison Lions Peace Poster Contest, call Nancy Bonsall at 203-641-8966. For more information about the Madison Lions Club, call Barry Miller at 203-421-3326.