On November 15 the Bluffton Lions announced 2022 Peace Poster contest winners.

The first place winner is Sophia Gilroy of Jenera, daughter of Dawn and Joseph Gilroy. Her poster will be included in the district level competition of the International Lions Club's annual peace poster contest, along with winners from other Lions clubs in northwestern Ohio.

The two runners-up were Chloe Hanefeld, daughter of Bill and Becca Hanefeld of Bluffton, and Serenity O'Connell, daughter of Carissa and Taylor O'Connell of Bluffton.

At the November 15 Lions meeting at Town Hall, the Bluffton 7th grade art teacher, Becky Boblitt, introduced the two runners-up who showed their posters to the club.  Mrs. Boblitt also explained the poster of the first place winning poster, because Sophia could not be present.

Contest chair Jan Emmert explained the background of the international contest, the criteria for judging posters and the theme for the international contest this year, “Lead with Compassion” which was unusually challenging to depict in a poster.

The three contestants were presented with certificates and small cash awards by club President Jim Bemiller on behalf of the club.

Local contest judges were Jerry Szabo, Carolyn Rich and Jan Emmert.

Like many other Lions clubs around the world, the Bluffton Lions Club shares a focus on activities related to vision, preventing blindness and helping youth. Local service activities included developing Bluffton’s bike paths, vision screening for young children, scholarships for local graduates, the annual Festival of Wheels, the Ride to Remember, and supporting local organizations.

Photo caption: Runners-up Chloe Hanefeld and Serenity O'Connell with their posters, along with art teacher Becky Boblitt at a Bluffton Lions Club meeting.