The Chicago Heights Lion Club recently awarded four students from CHSD 170's Greenbriar School gift cards and certificates in recognition of "Peace Posters" that they submitted as part of the organization's peace initiative.
The students receiving the rewards, all of whom are members of the school's Leo Club, a school level affiliate of the Lions Club, were eighth-grader Elizabeth Lopez, seventh-graders Nevaeh Carbajal and Esmeralda Mendoza, and sixth-grader Stevie McDonald.
For the past three decades, Lions clubs around the world have sponsored the Lions International Peace Poster Contest to encourage young people worldwide to express their visions of peace. The theme of this year's contest is "The Future of Peace," and the activity was open to students ages 11, 12, and 13.
Greenbriar Principal Joe Taylor and Leo Club advisor Mary Ann Baiza praised the student's outstanding efforts.
"I am extremely pleased with the efforts of our students in creating posters that underscored the importance of peace in our world," Taylor said.
"The wonderful commitment and dedication that our students brought to this project were indicative of their understanding of promoting this basic human need."
Baiza expanded upon that sentiment noting specifically the talent and creativity displayed by the 85 students who participated in the contest.
"The talent and imagination exhibited in the works of all the students showed an understanding of the importance of the project and, hopefully, will be the first step in helping promote a peaceful environment all across the world," Baiza said.