AWARDS
The Blacksburg Host Lions Club presents several awards each year to recognize outstanding accomplishments in the community and the area.
The Lions JONES/SANDERS AWARD
is presented to the Blacksburg High School senior male and female students who, in the opinion of the School faculty and administrators, best exemplify academic achievement and outstanding citizenship.
The H. B. DILLON AWARD
is presented to the Blacksburg High School senior male and female athlete who, in the opinion of the School faculty and administrators, best exemplify athletic performance and sportsmanship.
Lions International sponsors a Peace Poster Contest each year, urging all Lions Clubs around the world to participate. The Blacksburg Host Club has sponsored a local Peace Poster contest for several years, with contestants from grades 6 and 7 of Blacksburg Middle School.
The 2019-20 International Peace Poster Contest winners are:
6th Grade:
1st Place: Derya Seref
2nd Place: Jet Daum
3rd Place: Ingrid Nolazca
7th Grade:
1st Place: Grace Lafon
2nd Place: Phoebe Sharp
3rd Place: Camry McElroy
Lions of Virginia Bland Music Contest
The Bland Foundation has been providing performing opportunities as well as scholarships to gifted music students, both vocal and instrumental, since 1948. The purpose of the foundation is to promote cultural and educational opportunities for the musically talented young people in Virginia (primarily of high school age). This goal is achieved through progressive competitions, beginning at the local Lions club level and culminating in May in a competition among 12 finalists. The Bland Foundation provides $18,000 to the 12 finalists. The scholarships must be used for college tuition, music lessons, summer music programs or other music education endeavors.
James Bland, an African-American, was a popular composer in the late 1800's. In 1948 the Lions of Virginia were instrumental in having Bland's composition, "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny", adopted as a state song. To honor this prolific writer of Americana, the Lions wanted to create a "living monument". The Lions Clubs of Virginia still honors James Bland and his place in American musical history through this successful, well-established program for supporting musically gifted youth
