General News
19 December, 2022
Peace poster praise for student
Avoca’s Mikaela Walker could well be on her way to becoming a renowned international artist, winning a local competition sponsored by the Carisbrook Lions Club. For over 30 years, the Lions International Peace Poster Contest has supported young...
Avoca’s Mikaela Walker could well be on her way to becoming a renowned international artist, winning a local competition sponsored by the Carisbrook Lions Club.
For over 30 years, the Lions International Peace Poster Contest has supported young people to express their visions of peace through art and creativity, and last week Mikaela was one of 11 local students to have been awarded for their efforts.
This year’s theme for the competition was Lead with Compassion with students at the Avoca, Carisbrook and Dunolly primary schools recognised for their creative posters.
Mikaela’s poster not only won the local element of the competition, but also won at a district level, something she never expected would happen.
“I decided to do a piece of artwork reflecting on me being able to help children in dark places and times, especially with childhood trauma,” she said.
“I want to make sure that people have someone they can talk to or look up to and feel confident speaking to them about whatever they’re going through.
“I was really surprised I won.”
Mikaela’s poster will continue on to the next stage of district judging and could continue through to an international level.
She said she encourages other students to take part in the competition in the future.
“When I was looking at past peace posters I saw a lot of hands and a lot of bright and dark colours so I figured if I put both of those things together, it would make something that would look half decent,” she said.
“It’s really fun to do, even if you don’t win an award or anything you’re able to say that you were able to participate in it and do a really good job.”
Carisbrook Lions Club member and peace poster coordinator Katinka Hilder congratulated Mikaela on her successful poster, as well as the other local students who were recognised for their efforts.
“It’s obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them,” she said.
“I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions.
“Mikaela’s poster will advance through multiple district and international levels if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner.
“Our club is cheering for Mikaela as her poster advances in the competition and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world.”