12 February 2025

Boy reaches final of global art contest

By Michelle Horst

A year eight student from Hornsea School and Language College has made the final of an international art competition.

The annual Lions Peace Poster contest provides children in years six to eight the opportunity to explore a creative theme. Reuben’s interpretation of this year’s challenge, Peace Without Limits, was chosen from a number of outstanding entries.

The judges, Jenny and Mel from Hornsea and District Lions Club, were excited to share the news with 12-year-old Reuben. “We are all ‘over the moon’,” Mel said.

Hornsea Lions is the sponsor of Reuben’s entry, which fended off competition from other districts around the UK in the regional heats of this year’s International Peace Poster contest. Reuben’s design was created using a range of media and has already earned him £80 in prizes at the regional and national rounds.

Reuben will be presented with a £100 prize and will attend the Lions UN International Day at the Houses of Parliament on March 11. There he will be welcomed by Lions district governor Gillian Swan, and his poster will go forward to compete on an international level.

His mother Sarah said: “Whenever he leaves the house, he takes his art things with him. We’re really proud of him.”

With his sights set on a career in art, Reuben is looking forward to visiting art stores in London to replenish his materials. He is already exploring other contests to challenge his skills, but said of his hopes of winning the international round: “I don’t want to jinx it.”