Kayanna Gaines, a seventh grader at Kingdom Christian Academy, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning the local segment in the Lions International Peace Poster competition sponsored by the Fulton Host Lions Club.
Kayanna, daughter of Kevin and Sara Gaines, was honored at a recent Lions Zone Meeting held in Fulton. It was only the second year the local chapter sponsored the contest, but Susan Colvin, Fulton Host Lions President, said that she anticipates the competition to grow in the future.
This year's theme, "Share Peace," garnered 400,000 posters world-wide in what is an annual competition, which was founded 28 years ago with the intent of emphasizing "the importance of world peace to young people everywhere."
"Our club is cheering for Kayanna as her poster advances in the competition," Colvin said of the young artist's entry to the district competition. "We hope that her vision of peace will ultimately be shared with others around the world."
Kayanna's poster was chosen by local artist and William Woods University Art faculty member Jane Mudd for its originality, artistic merit and the portrayal of the contest theme.
"I thought it was a nice portrayal of world peace. Her symbolism was thoughtful and inclusive of many different cultures," Mudd said. "It was a well-worked piece."
One grand prize winner and 23 merit awards will be selected at the international round of the competition. The grand prize includes a cash award of $5,000 plus a trip for the winner and two family members to the awards ceremony in Japan.
Josh Hubbard, son of Mitch and Denise Hubbard, was also honored with a second place award for his entry.