FIRST-PLACE WINNER Megan Praznovsky.

AYER -- Rainbow-colored pencil art works are hanging in the lower level of the Ayer Public Library as part of the second annual "Power of Peace" Lions Clubs International poster contest.

There are some 350,000 entries worldwide in the contest for children between the ages of 11 and 13. In addition to a peace theme, another rule is that there be no words to help in interpreting the art -- the piece should be understandable to an international audience.

The local winners of the contest were announced at the library on Jan. 19.

First place went to Megan Praznovsky, an eighth-grade student at Ayer Middle School. The 14-year old said she completed her work as part of her art class at school lead by art teacher Michael Seguin.

Praznovsky described her brightly colored drawing as one that features a large peace symbol, which is carved into puzzle pieces, where international representatives are coming together with their puzzle piece contribution to "build peace."

She says her unity vision is possible "if everybody helps make peace."

Ayer Shirley Lions Club President Jennifer Cordio says that Praznovsky's work spoke to her membership when they made the tough decision to advance one entry to their District 33N competition held in Woburn. While Megan's entry didn't advance onto the higher tier, she led the pack of 32 entries locally.

She was awarded a $50 savings bond, a sketchbook and a gift card to Barnes & Noble. Praznovsky, however,

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is not sure of a future in the arts. Rather, she's leaning towards becoming a veterinarian, she said with a smile.

Second place finisher was 13-year-old Jamie McKenna. Her picture features a peace symbol but with details that reflect radiating power shooting from all edges of the symbol. She said Seguin "just gave us an idea on what to draw, like a dove, peace symbols and rainbows" but that she felt drawn to the peace sign. Her father, Tim McKenna accompanied her to the awards ceremony and said he was proud of his daughter's work as "her first community award."

Third price went to 14-year-old Jonny Donell. While he likes to doodle, especially urban art-style "bubble letters," Donell added another peace symbol to his work -- an olive branch. He also leaned toward incorporating a centrally placed peace symbol and a lot of fine detail.

Donell and McKenna both received sketch pads and gift cards to Barnes & Noble.

His mother Donna Donell said the sketchpad is "perfect for him" since he's fond of doodling in his notebooks. He placed second in last year's competition.

All 32 entries will be on display at the Ayer library until the end of the month when the artwork will be returned to the contestants. Or soon the artwork will be on display at the local Lions Club Web site www.ayer-shirleyma.lionwap.org.