Ava Durden, a student at Pennichuck Middle School, recently took first place on the local level of the Lions Club Peace Poster Contest. Courtesy photo/Nashua Lions Club

NASHUA – Ava Durden, a seventh grade student at Pennichuck Middle School, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning a local competition sponsored by the Nashua Lions Club earlier this year.

Durden’s poster was one of 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.

“Daring to dream is like climbing a ladder, above all the hate and division in the world today, seeking a more hopeful future,” said Durden.

The poster was selected by a panel of judges for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Daring to Dream.”

Nashua Lions Club President Erin Hendrickson said she was impressed by the expression and creativity of the students at both Charlotte Avenue Elementary School and Pennichuck where the contest took place.

“It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them,” she said. “I’m so proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions. Our club is cheering for Ava as her poster advances in the competition and we hope that her vision will ultimately be shared with others around the world.”

One international 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 the special awards ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

Locally, Durden and runners-up Lila Saad and Sarah Barry, also of Pennichuck, were recognized by the Nashua Lions Club for their participation on Nov. 6, 2023.

Durden and her parents Alexander and Meghan will be honored at the New Hampshire Lions State Convention on Jan. 27.

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