CAMDEN — For over 30 years the Camden Lions Club has joined 1.4 million Lions Club members across the world in its annual International Peace Poster Contest. Every year the Camden Club partners with Camden-
Rockport Middle School sixth grade history teacher Jim Morse. His motivation and leadership are fundamental to Lions’ success with this peace project, according to Camden Lions, in a news release.

“We at Camden Lions take great pride in partnering over the last 20 and more years with Mr. Morse and his talented students,” said Lions Peace Poster Contest coordinator Jerry Stone, in the release. “The peace poster contest allows youth the opportunity to creatively explore the theme and visually express their views of peace through art. Peace is a vital thing to these young artists.”

The 2021-22 theme is “We Are All Connected.” While overcoming new challenges brought on by an unprecedented global pandemic, through this poster contest, students celebrate the things that keep us connected – to each other and to communities all around the world.

Fourteen CRMS students submitted exceptional posters. Results this year are as follows:

First place winner, Madeline Bennett; 2 runners-up winners, Anika Sivigny and Eva Vickerman; and third-place winner, Izzy Hamilton. 

All 14 students will enjoy a pizza party, while the top four winners will receive cash awards and certificates at a special Lions’ commendation dinner.

Madeline Bennett’s winning post has been sent to the Lions’ state-district level competition and could potentially be submitted for the Lions’ International competition at the United Nations in New York City.  

Over the three decades of Camden Lions Peace Poster sponsorship, two CRMS students and their peace posters have competed at the International level, according to the Lions.