L.A. Girl, 13, Creates Grand Prize Lions International Peace Poster

OAK BROOK, Ill., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Min-Ji Yi, a 13-year-old girl from Los Angeles, California, USA, beat out more than 350,000 entries created by children ages 11, 12 and 13, in 70 countries, with her grand prize poster in the 19th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Her poster was chosen for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, "Celebrate Peace."

"The Peace Poster Contest is very important," said Yi. "Not only does it bring the attention of children worldwide to the concept of peace, but it also enables us to think deeper into the very element, thus helping us to realize what a precious thing it really is."

Yi will be recognized for her accomplishment at Lions Day with the United Nations in New York City on March 9, where she will be presented with an award and US$2,500. The president of the sponsoring Tarzana Lions club and Yi's parents will accompany her to the award ceremony.

"My poster represents the harmony of all the countries in the world coming together as one," said Yi. "Just as music creates a peaceful melody, the world should be able to also."

"Through the Peace Poster program, Lions provide young people with a wonderful way to visually communicate their feelings on peace," said Jacquie Buteyn, president of the Tarzana Lions Club that sponsored the contest at Yi's school. "We are proud of Min-Ji and are happy to share her poster with adults and children around the world."

Yi, who has enjoyed art ever since she could pick up a pencil, moved with her family to the United States from Korea six years ago. She speaks fluent English and Korean. In addition to visual arts, she is involved in community service, sports, music, and is the president of her debate club.

After graduating from eighth grade, Yi will enter an early entrance program to begin college this fall. She plans to study biology and has ambitions of becoming a brain or transplant surgeon.

"I hope one day to become the greatest surgeon," said Yi. "Either way I will end up serving those who need my help."

Lions Clubs International President Jimmy Ross said, "By sponsoring the Peace Poster Contest, Lions members in many nations are reaching out to their local youth and community members and offering them an opportunity to support peace, communication and international understanding in our world."

In addition to the grand prize winner, 23 merit award winners have been announced. This year's other merit award winners are from American Samoa, Australia, Austria, England, Ecuador, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Turkey, Sweden and the United States (Illinois, Maine, Minnesota and New Jersey).

The 24 finalist peace posters will be exhibited during the year at children's museums and various locations throughout the United States. The display will kick off in July at the 90th annual Lions Clubs International Convention in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The posters will also be featured on the Lions Clubs International Web site, http://www.lionsclubs.org/ , where you can learn more about the contest and send Peace Poster e-cards.

Lions Clubs International, the world's largest service club organization, is located in 200 countries and geographical locations throughout the world. Lions created the Peace Poster Contest to foster a spirit of peace and international understanding in young people worldwide.