Blythewood Middle School peace poster winners, (l–r), are Valerie Miller, Alyssa Castelluccio, Ms. Burgess, art teacher, and Gage Berthold Blythewood Middle School students recently participated in the annual Peace Poster Contest sponsored by the local Lion’s Club.

The students and their teachers feel the contest is a wonderful opportunity for budding artists, as well as a great opportunity for students to have a voice on such a poignant topic.

At BMS three posters were selected for first, second, and third place. Sixth grader Gage Berthold took third place, while seventh grader Valerie Miller took second place. Seventh grader Alyssa Castelluccio received first place, and her poster will go on to the state–wide competition.

As part of the judging process the students were required to write a quote that described their poster. The following are the students’ quotes: First Place

“Peace paints the world. If we work together anything can be done. Not one person alone can achieve peace.” — Alyssa Castelluccio, seventh grade

Second Place

“I feel that peace is when people unite in a time of conflict. To stand together and be equal to one another, not fighting against themselves, but coming together to fight as one.” — Valerie Miller, seventh grade

Third Place

“Peace is powerful because if there is peace there is order. Without peace everything would go haywire and tons of people would be killed. Peace also calms the mind.” — Gage Berthold, sixth grade