MATTAPOISETT — A Mattapoisett student has won a local competition sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club and in doing so has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist.

Marion Sivil, a sixth grader at Old Hammondtown School, came in first place in the local portion of the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. The winning poster by Sivil is among more than 450,000 entries submitted worldwide for the overall contest, according to a Mattapoisett Lions Club news release.

Sivil’s poster was selected “for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, ‘Peace Without Limits,’ by club member Helene Rose and school staff, according to the release.

Club president Rob Haley was impressed by the expression and creativity of Old Hammondtown students, he said.

“It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what compassion means to them,” Haley said. “I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions.”

In order to become the contest’s international grand prize winner, Sivil’s poster will next advance through district and international levels of competition, according to Haley.

Local students were honored Nov. 1 for their participation in the contest by the Mattapoisett Lions Club at Old Hammondtown School. Sivil won a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card. Second place winner Will Kanaly was awarded a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card and third place winner Yonathan Coffey was awarded a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card. An honorable mention and $15 Barnes & Noble gift card was awarded to Jillian Bonnell.

The international competition will have one grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners. The grand prize includes a cash award of $5,000, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to a special award ceremony. The 23 merit award winners each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

“Our club is cheering for Marion as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Haley said.