MATTAPOISETT — Ben Silva, a 6th grade student at Old Hammondtown School, was the local winner of the Lions International Peace Poster Contest competition sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club, the club announced last week.

The poster is just one of more than 450,000 entries submitted worldwide in this annual contest. It was chosen by Lions Club member Helene Rose and school staff members. The criteria for the contest were originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the theme "We Are All Connected."

Mattapoisett Lions Club President Valerie Kane said she was "impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Old Hammondtown School." President Kane also noted that she is proud that the Mattapoisett Lions Club was able to provide this opportunity to the students.

Silva's poster will advance through the district, multiple district and international levels of competition, if he is to be declared the international grand prize winner.

Silva was awarded a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card. Second Place went to Madeline Gendreau who was awarded a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card. Third Place went to Drew Butler who was awarded a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. Honorable Mention certificates were awarded to: Isabella Perez-Dormitzer, Grace Victoria and Bobby Calder.

The Mattapoisett Lions Club would like to thank Mrs. Bowman, Mr. Tavares and the educators at Old Hammondtown School, as well as parents, for their continued support of the Peace Poster project.

For more information on the Mattapoisett Lions Club, go to Mattapoisett Lions Club To view past International Peace Poster International Grand Prize winners go to: Lions International Peace Poster Contest Grand Prize Winners.