North Belton Middle School sixth grader Kimberly Lezama is moving on to the next round of the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest after earning first place in the local competition.
Her artwork, created in response to this year’s theme, Together as One, will now represent the Belton Lions Club at the national level.
The Peace Poster Contest is organized by Lions Clubs International, with local chapters inviting students ages 11 to 13 to envision and express their ideas of peace through art.
Belton ISD Fine Arts Director Keith Zuehlke helped connect the opportunity to classrooms across the district, resulting in 40 student entries. A panel from the Belton Lions Club selected the top three posters, with Kimberly earning the highest recognition.
North Belton Middle School students earned a strong showing in the competition, with sixth grader Maddie Cooper receiving second place and sixth grader Eleanor Maxfield earning third place.
Notably, all three top winners were students in the same sixth grade art class taught by Nick Bottesini, highlighting the creativity and collaboration fostered within the classroom.
“This contest gives students a meaningful way to reflect on the world around them,” said Zuehlke. “Our young artists used their skills to communicate hope, unity and belonging. Kimberly’s work stood out for both its creativity and its message, and we are proud to see it advance.”
Kimberly said the theme immediately sparked ideas about peace through connection.
“At first I thought about all the countries combined together to make peace,” she said. “I was thinking about cultural diffusion and how when one culture meets another, it creates fusion. Maybe if more people come together, it could create peace.”
The project also gave her an opportunity to develop new artistic techniques.
“I learned how to better apply shading and light. I really enjoy using watercolors and graphite, and my art style is usually more cartoon-inspired, but sometimes I like realism too.”
Her art teacher, Bottesini, said Kimberly’s thoughtful approach set her work apart.
“The students embraced the theme and pushed themselves to communicate visually. Seeing Kimberly’s piece recognized and advancing is a moment of real pride for our class.”
“This is the first year the Belton Lions Club has participated in the Lions Club International Peace Poster Contest, and it has been incredibly meaningful to partner with our local youth in promoting peace, tolerance, and international understanding,” said Keith Cook, Belton ISD Executive Director of Operations and Belton Lions Club member.
“The contest encourages students to think deeply about what peace means to them and to express that vision creatively. Kimberly’s artwork now advances to district-level judging alongside winners from across Texas, and we are proud to see her representing both her school and our community.”
Posters advancing to the final international judging are eligible for prestigious awards, including an International Grand Prize of $5,000 and a trip to an award ceremony, as well as 23 Merit Awards of $500 each.
Notification of advancing artists is expected by February 1, 2026.
Kimberly’s artwork will now compete in the next round of judging as part of the national Lions Club Peace Poster program.
