
SEYMOUR — Chloe Pernaselci, a 7th grade student at Seymour Middle School, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Seymour Lions Club.
Pernaselci’s poster was among more than 450,000 entries submitted worldwide in the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the program to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.
“Make a difference by serving mankind and universal peace will follow,” the 12-year-old from Seymour said. The poster was selected by members of the Seymour Lions for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Peace Through Service.”
Seymour Lions Club President Jovanii Ortiz said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at Seymour Middle School. “It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions.”
One international grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of US$5,000 plus a trip for the winner and two family members to a special award ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of US$500.
“Our club is cheering for Chloe as her poster advances in the competition, and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Ortiz said.
Locally, Pernaselci and 3 other students will be honored for their participation by the Seymour Lions Club at a safe socially distanced location.