Etienne Chatman, an eighth-grader at Midway Middle School, won both the local Lions International Peace Poster Contest sponsored by the Liberty Coastal Lions Club of Midway and the Lions District 18-B competition.

Etienne’s poster advanced through the district level in November. If it advances to state and international levels of competition, he will be declared the international grand-prize winner.

“Our club is cheering for Etienne as his poster advances in the competition, and we hope that his vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world,” Liberty Coastal Lions Club President Jerry Leland said.

Etienne’s poster was one of more than 148 posters submitted by MMS students. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the program to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people. Posters were judged on originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest’s theme, “Imagine Peace.”

Locally, Julie Landt received second place and Joshua Bones received third place.

Leland said he was impressed by the expression and creativity of MMS students.

“It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them,” he said. “I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions.”