President of Southborough & District Lions Club, Mrs Christine Forbes together with Mrs Bronnie Verrico visited St Gregory's Catholic School, Tunbridge Wells on 28 February 2022, to make a presentation to the winner of the Lions International Peace Poster Competition.

At a special assembly in the school Chapel, Olivia who is a Year 9 pupil at St Gregory’s, was presented with a shield, along with a framed copy of her painting and a District winner’s certificate from the Lions. Mrs Forbes explained to the students how Olivia’s painting was the overall winner of the District Competition which includes all of Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Olivia's poster has now been entered into the National Competition and, if it  wins, it will then be entered in the International Competition and compete against entries from all around the world!

During the assembly, Mrs Forbes expressed how delighted the Lions are that St Gregory's had taken part in the competition which encouraged young people between the ages of 11 to 13 to think about peace, asking that they creatively express what it means to them, and to share their unique vision with the world. The theme for this year’s contest was ‘We Are All Connected’.

When presenting the ‘John Verrico’ shield to winner Olivia, Mrs Forbes explained how this new award had been made possible thanks to the generosity of people donating in memory of Lion John Verrico. John, who sadly passed away last year, was a much loved and hardworking Lion for almost 50 years, and a Founder member of Tunbridge Wells Lions. 

This is the first year that Southborough & District Lions Club have sponsored a local school to participate and St Gregory’s Art Department also benefited from a cheque for £100 for their collaboration with Southborough Lions. The two competition runners up, Elvy and Florrie, also in Year 9, received vouchers for their entries. 

The competition will continue every year from now on in John’s memory and the shield is now proudly displayed in the school reception.