Dalia Alamilla displays prize winning poster

    Miss Alamilla's poster is among more than 325,000 entries submitted worldwide in the thirteenth annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest.

    "The colorfully entwined hearts depict the harmony and unity of all the people in the world to provide peace," the twelve year-old said. Out of all the posters created by St. Peter's Elementary, Island Academy, San Pedro R. C. School, LIFE and Isla Bonita Elementary students, Dalia's entry best portrayed the contest's theme, "United In Peace." The second place award went to Andrew Alamilla Borham of Island Academy and third place to Katrina Bradley of San Pedro Roman Catholic School.

    San Pedro Lions Club President Flora Ancona said she was impressed by the amount of effort exhibited by the students. "It's obvious that these young people have strong ideas of what peace means to them. I'm so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions with all of us."

    The three posters now advance to round-two district competition in Belize City where they will compete against entries from Belmopan, San Estevan, Stann Creek and Belize City.

    President Ancona said, "The posters will face stiff competition during the district round and the three additional rounds of international competition before one is declared the international grand prize."

    Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

    Ultimately, one grand prize winner will be selected from 24 international finalists. The grand prize includes a cash award of $5000, plus an all-expense-paid trip for the winner and two family members to Indianapolis, Indiana, USA for the awards ceremony at the Lions Clubs International Convention in July 2001. As merit award winners, the remaining 23 finalists will each receive certificates and a cash award of $1000.

    "We are cheering for the three entries as these posters advance in the competition, and we hope that their vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world," added President Ancona.

    Dalia received a cash award of $150 plus an achievement award; Andrew received $100 and Katrina, $50. In addition, the judges decided to make special mention of Lucilo Guerrero of St. Peter's Elementary who was present throughout the competition explaining his poster to those attending. He was awarded the Lion's honorable mention and received $30. Judging the competition were Marcos Larios of Ambergris Arts, Manuel Ancona Jr. of Tropical Take-Out, Lion Eileen Jamison of the San Pedro Sun and Past District Governor Lion Baldemar Graniel.   

    Peace Poster Chairman, Lion Felix Ayuso wishes to extend a sincere thank you to all the students who participated and their teachers and principal for embracing this contest. Special thanks to San Pedro Roman Catholic School for entering the most posters.