NEDERLAND - Each year Lions Clubs around the world proudly sponsor the Lions International Peace Poster Contest in local schools and youth groups. This art contest encourages young people to express their visions of peace. The theme of the 2024-25 Peace Poster Contest is “Peace Without Limits.” Each poster is judged by Nederland area artists on originality, artistic merit, and expression of the theme. Special thanks to this year’s judges, Kathy Bremers, Danielle Crause, and Annie Thayer.  

Nederland Lions Club was pleased to host this year’s local Peace Poster Contest and Reception on Friday, October 25. Twenty-nine Nederland students, ages 11-13, competed. Lion Ann Marie Morgan welcomed students and parents against a backdrop of amazing posters. Fellow Lions Karen Siefert and Jim Navratil worked with volunteers Diane Suich, Debbie Stevens, Alan Smith and Linda Glasser to make everything run smoothly.

Each student came forward, explained their art work and how it conveyed their ideas about peace, and received a participation certificate. It was obvious that a lot of thought and hard work went into each poster. One couldn’t help but be inspired by these young artists! Nederland Middle-Senior High School art teacher Judie Sievers, who gets the kids involved in this project, spoke to the group about the talent shown in their work, encouraged them to continue their creative pursuits, and expressed how proud she is of each and every one of her students. The evening concluded with refreshments provided by Lions Club including a delicious cake from Peace, Love and Cake

First, second, and third place winners received cash prizes from Lions Club, and the first-place winner’s poster now advances to compete at the district level. This year’s top placing posters were 1st Place, Rylee Deane; 2nd Place, Natalie Oline; and 3rd Place, Mila Coykendall. Well done, everyone!