Alana Nault

HARRIS — Alana Nault, a 7th grade student at Bark River-Harris, has taken the first step to become an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Heart of the North Lions Club.

Nault’s poster was among more than 600,000 entries submitted worldwide in the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the program to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

The poster was selected by members of the Heart of the North Lions Club for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Leading With Compassion.” The judging was held on Nov. 3 at the Lions Club meeting.

Heart of the North Lions Club Peace Poster Chairperson Rose Potvin said she was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Bark River-Harris School.

“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,” she said. “Nault’s poster will advance through the district, multiple district and international levels of competition if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner.”

One international grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of $5,000 and will be recognized at a special awards ceremony at Lions Day with the United Nations. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

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

Locally, Nault and the second and third place winners, Madeline Miner and Alise Malone, were recognized with gift cards for their participation.