Stephanie Tomlin, Chaparral High School student, is the first place winner of the International Young Artist Competition sponsored by the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission.

The entries were judged on the originality of their design and creative interpretation of this year's contest theme, "Coming Together to Build a Better World." Tomlin's work, titled "The African Problem," earned her the grand prize of a $300 savings account from Wells Fargo and $50 towards any available class at the Scottsdale Artists' School.

Two entries submitted by youth from Phoenix's sister cities also were selected to receive $100 cash prizes and will be entered along with Tomlin's artwork in the Sister Cities International competition. Vojtech Humahl from Prague, Czech Republic submitted "New Paradise," and Chiu Ron Chen submitted "Getting Together Is All It Matters." The three winning pieces also will be displayed during the 2004 Sister Cities International Annual Conference in Fort Worth, Tx., and throughout member cities.

In the Phoenix competition, Amanda Mueller of Chaparral High School won the $200 second place prize and Alexis Danneman also of Chaparral High School won the $100 third place prize.

For more information on the International Young Artist Competition or the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission, call 602-534-3751.