Alex Wettengel, an 8th grade student at Saint Michael’s, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Ridge Lions Club.
Wettengel’s poster was among 42 locally and more than 375,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 27th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Club International sponsors the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.
“Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding – Albert Einstein,” the 13-year-old from Dameron said. The poster was selected by the Ridge Lions Club and a very special guest Deb Rey for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Peace, Love and Understanding.” The judging was held on October 23, 2014 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Ridge, Maryland at the club’s monthly meeting.
The Saint Michael’s LEO club advisors Leo and Christina Gillespie said they were impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Saint Michael’s. “It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. We are so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions.”
Wettengel’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.
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 an award ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of US $500.
“Our club is cheering for Alex as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” the Gillespies said.
Locally, Wettengel and 41 other students were honored for their participation by the Ridge Lions Club on November 7, 2014 at Saint Michael’s.
View international grand prize and merit award winners at www.lionsclubs.org and local winners at http://www.facebook.com/RidgeLionsClub.
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 clubs in 208 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its efforts toward conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world. For more information please go to http://saintmaryslionzonechairman.weebly.com/.
