Tommi Lee Martin, middle, was recently named the winner of the Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Her poster is at left. Pictured with Tommi above are Ponya King, left, Westboro Lions Club President, and Tarkio Elementary Principal Dr. Deborah Taylor, right. (Photos Submitted By Dr. Taylor)

Tommi Lee Martin, a sixth grader at Tarkio Elementary, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Westboro Lions Club. Tommi’s poster was among more than 600,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 30th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Club International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.
The poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit, and portayal of the contest theme, “The Future of Peace.” The dove means peace, the hands form a heart for love, and the flags represent the world. Westboro Lions Club President Ponya King said she’s “very impressed with Tommi’s creativity and ideas.”
The poster will advance to face off with others through district and international rounds of competition for the chance to be named the international grand prize winner. One 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 award ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500. International and merit award winners can be viewed at www.lionsclubs.org.