Xavier Baker-Woods, a Year 7 pupil at St Joseph’s College Ipswich, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognised artist by winning a local competition sponsored by The Lions Club of Ipswich.

Xavier’s poster was among more than 600,000 entries submitted worldwide in the 29th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasise the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

“In our hearts is Peace. All around us is natural beauty. Together peace and beauty can unite the Earth.” the 12 year-old from Ipswich said. The winning poster was selected by Mrs V Harvey, Head of Creative and Performing Arts at Joseph’s College, and Lion Tony Martin, a representative from the Lions Club of Ipswich for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the competition theme ‘A Celebration of Peace’.

Xavier’s poster will face stiff competition if it is to progress through the Regional, National and International rounds of the competition. One Grand Prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The Grand Prize includes a cash award of $5,000 and a trip for the winner and two family members to an award ceremony.

“Our Club will be hoping that Xavier’s poster advances in the competition and that many people will be inspired by his vision.” said Ipswich Lion Tony Martin.

View international grand prize winners at www.lionsclubs.org.