By Staff
Special to the Advance
Julia Thorpe, a seventh grade student at Escambia Academy, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Atmore Lions Club. Audra Tatum was the first alternate in the competition.
Thorpe's poster was among thousands of posters submitted worldwide in the 20th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Club International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.
The winning poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, "Peace Around the World." The judging was held Nov. 1 at Escambia Academy. Thorpe received $50 for first place and Tatum received $25 as first alternate.
Atmore Lions Club president Dale Johnson said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Escambia Academy.
"It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them," Johnson said. "I'm so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions."
Thorpe's poster will advance to face stiff competition through the district, multiple district and international rounds of competition if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner, Johnson said.
One grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of $2,500, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to New York City, N.Y. for 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 $500.
"Our club is cheering for Julia as her poster advances in the competition and we hope that her vision will be ultimately shared with others around the world," Johnson said.