Student's Peace Poster Wins Contest

Two hands --one African and one Asian - come together in the shape of a heart and hold the world in place in Savana Wright's poster.

A dove holding a string of flags, representing different nations, flies above the hands.

"The dove holds the flags in its beak like an olive branch," said Savana, 13.

"I really want people to know that to achieve peace, you have to work together with all the nations."

The eighth-grader at R.B. Stewart Middle School recently won a contest sponsored by area Lions clubs, where children between 11 and 13 years old are asked to create posters depicting themes of peace.

Savana submitted her poster through the Zephyrhills Lions Club, and it was the first time in years that one of the club's entries made it to the district level competition.

Last month, she beat out posters from students in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

"To me, her poster represented all of the things we associate with peace," said Dick Pike, president of the Zephyrhills Lions Club.

Peace and acceptance among countries and cultures formed the theme of Savana's work.

She said she was inspired by her experiences as a participant in model United Nations activities.

"At model U.N., I learned a lot about other nations," she said. "I got exposed to other cultures."

A Girl Scout since she was in kindergarten, Savana has volunteered at area nursing homes and participated in Relay for Life activities. She is a member of the Junior Honor Society, her school's drama club and takes part in an academic team competition.

She also recently won a storytelling competition.

"We're thrilled with Savana's success," said Jackson Johnson, principal of Stewart Middle School. "Our success as a school is based on what our kids do."

Art teacher Denise Zimmer suggested Savana enter the contest and submitted her entry.

Along with the recognition, Savana won $100.

Next up is the statewide competition in January, where she could win a $2,500 scholarship.

Savana says she plans to continue her long-standing record of volunteer service and artistic endeavors. Mom Jill Wright, a guidance counselor at Stewart Middle, supports her all the way.

"She never ceases to amaze me," Wright said.