MATTAPOISETT — Owen Callahan, a sixth grade student at Old Hammondtown School, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local peace poster competition sponsored by the Mattapoisett Lions Club.

The poster was selected by Helene Rose, Lauren Rosa and Cindy Turse for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Journey for Peace.”
The judging was held on Friday Oct. 25th at Old Hammondtown School. Students were awarded on Oct. 30

Mattapoisett Lions Club President Mario Conde said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Old Hammondtown. “It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions.”

Callahan’s poster was among more than 450,000 entries submitted worldwide in the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest.

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