Pictured, L-R, art teacher Lorena Hannegrefs; first place winner, Piper Kapolczynski; second place winner, Mitchell Hopp; third place winner, Grace Barie and teacher Vickie Tambornino.

NEW ULM — Piper Kapolczynski, a 6th grade student at New Ulm Public Middle School, has won 1st place in the local competition of the Lions International Peace Poster Contest sponsored by the Lions Club of New Ulm.

Piper received $50 for her first place entry. Mitchell Hopp received $20 for his second place entry and Grace Barie received $15 for her third place entry.

All winners received an Award Certificate along with their monetary prize from the Lions Club. The winners were chosen from 60 posters submitted by the Middle School 6 grade art students.

Piper’s poster was among more than 450,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 33rd annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring this program to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

The winners were selected by art teacher, Lorena Hannegrefs and teacher Vickie Tambornino. Hannegrefs led the project in her 6th grade class with directions from the Lions. The winning poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Peace Through Service.” Judging took place the week of Nov. 9 at the Middle School.

Piper’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, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to an awards ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

The Lions Club of New Ulm is cheering for Piper as her poster advances in the competition and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world. As the contest progresses you can view the international grand prize and merit winners at www.lionsclubs.org/peaceposter. Lions Clubs International has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world.