Esther Kang, an eighth grade student at Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School, took the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Plainview-Bethpage Lions Club.
Kang’s poster was among more than 375,000 entires submitted worldwide in the 26th annual Lions International Peace Poster contest. Lions Club International sponsored the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere. Lions Club officials said Kang’s poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Our World Our Future.”
Plainview-Bethpage Lions Club President Salvatore Spano said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at POB Middle School in Plainview.
“It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them,” said Spano. “I am so proud that we were able to provide them with an opportunity to share their visions.”
Kang’s poster will advance to face stiff competition through the district, multiple district and international rounds of competition if she is to be declared the international prize winner. One grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash reward of $2,500 plus a trip for the winner and two family members to New York City for the awards ceremony at Lions Day with the United Nations. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash reward of $500.
“Our club is cheering for Esther as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Spano said.
The first runner-up of the local contest was Michelle Ng and second runner-up was Julia Park.
