Three Upper St. Clair middle school students have taken the first hopeful step to becoming internationally recognized artists.  

Taylor Carruthers, of Wesley Spectrum Academy; Melanie Mantel, of Boyce Middle School; and Tyler Michener, of Fort Couch Middle School were selected winners in USC Lions Club’s 2011-2012 Peace Poster contest.  

Each student received $50 from the club. Their winning entries now advance to the next level at Lions’ Pennsylvania District 14B. Winners of the district contest will advance to the international level.

In February 2012, one grand prize winner and 23 merit winners will be announced. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 and a trip to the Lions Club Awards Ceremony at the United Nations. Each merit winner will get $500.

This is the first year USC’s Lions Club has participated in the contest, which is open to children ages 11 to 13 all over the world.  This year's theme is: Children Know Peace.

Fifty-five USC students participated from Wesley, Boyce and Fort Couch middle schools. All entrants received certificates of appreciation from USC Lions.