Amanda competed with more than 325,000 participants who were sponsored by different Lions Clubs in 190 countries and geographical locations from all over the world. After the vast international competition, her achievement of now being one of the 23 finalists is commendable. She will receive a Merit Award of BZ$1,000 and a Certificate of Merit. Amanda Nuñez's entry now goes on to the final judging where the grand prize winner will receive a cash award of BZ$5,000, an engraved commemorative plaque, plus an all-expenses-paid trip for the winner and two family members to New York City, USA for Lions Day with the United Nations on March 14^th, 2003.

    A a Merit Award Winner and finalist, Amanda will also receive international recognition as her poster will be viewed by more than 1.4 million Lions from all over the world when the 24 finalists' posters are published in the Lions Clubs International magazine "THE LION". Her entry will also be posted on the Lion Clubs International website and be part of a traveling exhibition.

    Amanda is quoted as saying that "The woman in the poster represents the earth. She is sleeping on leaves, which represent the color of the earth, green. The woman is sleeping and dreaming of peace. The doves, as her hair, represent all the different countries of the world coming together as one, with no boundaries. The flower represents the world in peace and harmony."

    Amanda is the daughter of Ariel and Margaret Nuñez of Belize City and the granddaughter of Lina Nuñez and Luis Nuñez (deceased) of San Pedro Town. The San Pedro Sun salutes Amanda Nuñez for her wonderful work and wishes her all the best in the final competition.