MATTAPOISETT — Old Hammondtown Elementary School student Kai Johnson is this year’s winner of the Mattapoisett Lions Club’s Peace Poster Contest.

This local win puts him in the running for the larger Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Contest.

According to a press release from the Mattapoisett Lions Club, Johnson’s poster is among more than 450,000 entries submitted worldwide in the annual contest.

Johnson’s poster was selected by Lions Club member Helene Rose, Club President Lynne Foley and school staff members for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Dare to Dream.”

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

Johnson’s poster will need to advance through multiple levels of competition before he is declared the international grand prize winner, Foley explained.

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. Twenty-three merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

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

Locally, Johnson and other students were honored for their participation on Nov. 22 at Old Hammondtown School. Johnson was awarded a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card.