Education Archives

2024 Scholarship Applications Open for Aspiring Water Professionals

January 29, 2024/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Water agencies across San Diego County and California water associations offer multiple college scholarship opportunities in 2024 to help candidates secure their education as water and wastewater professionals.

The acceleration of industry retirements, as well as the increasing need for a skilled workforce trained to implement new technologies, result in an increased effort to develop more skilled individuals for water and wastewater industry jobs, including in San Diego County. For more information, visit sandiegowaterworks.org.

Scholarships are available for community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and graduate-level programs. The following examples are due in the coming weeks for study in the 2023-2024 academic school year.

San Diego regional water scholarships

Helix Water District will recognize two outstanding graduating high school seniors living within the district’s service area with $1,000 scholarships for university studies next fall.

The Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship and $1,000 Dr. Lillian M. Childs Scholarship honor two past leaders of Helix Water District. Friedgen retired in 1998 after 19 years as the district’s general manager and Childs retired in 1999 after 20 years on the board of directors.

Applicants must graduate in spring 2024 and attend a four-year college or university starting in fall 2024. Students submit a two-page essay exploring potable reuse and the East County Advanced Water Purification project. The scholarship committee reviews each applicant’s grades, extracurricular activities, volunteer and work experience, academic and career goals, and financial need.

Deadline: 5 p.m. on March 15, 2024. Learn more about eligibility and find the online application here.

Vista Irrigation District scholarship winners (left to right): Monica Lozada, Naia Riggenbach, Sarai Rojas, Samantha Harris, Colin Gastauer. (Not pictured: Riley Robbins) Photo: Vista Irrigation District. 2024 scholarship

Vista Irrigation District scholarship winners for 2023 (left to right): Monica Lozada, Naia Riggenbach, Sarai Rojas, Samantha Harris, Colin Gastauer. (Not pictured: Riley Robbins). 2024 scholarship applications are now open. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Vista Irrigation District invites local high school seniors to compete for up to six scholarships from the District in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. The purpose of the scholarship program is to increase knowledge and awareness of how water-related issues influence our daily activities.

Students who compete for a scholarship must complete an essay and provide a one-page personal statement related to their background and/or goals. Selection criteria also include community involvement or volunteer service, and letters of recommendation from high school faculty.

Applications must be received via email or at the district’s office by 4 p.m. on Friday February 23, 2024. Eligible students must live or go to school within the Vista Irrigation District service area. Find the application link here.

Contact Brent Reyes at (760) 597-3107 ">or email Reyes with questions or to request application information.

Scholarships were issued to local students by the Vallecitos Water District to help them continue their higher education. (L to R): Board Vice President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, scholarship winners Phlavia Oyrem, Caitlyn Hansen, and Julianna Stipica-Kelecic, Board President Jim Hernandez, scholarship winners Daniel Baza, Evan Fox, and Board Member Erik A. Groset. Not pictured: Board Members Craig Elitharp and Jim Pennock, scholarship winner Brook Sannella. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Scholarships were issued to local students by the Vallecitos Water District in 2023 to help them continue their higher education. (L to R): Board Vice President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, scholarship winners Phlavia Oyrem, Caitlyn Hansen, and Julianna Stipica-Kelecic, Board President Jim Hernandez, scholarship winners Daniel Baza, Evan Fox, and Board Member Erik A. Groset. Not pictured: Board Members Craig Elitharp and Jim Pennock, scholarship winner Brook Sannella. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Vallecitos Water District invites local high school seniors and students at Palomar College and California State University San Marcos to compete for scholarships from the district. Up to six scholarships may be awarded in amounts up to $1,000 per scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship program is to encourage students to learn more about water-related issues impacting their community.

Eligible students must live or go to school within the Vallecitos Water District’s service area. Students must complete an essay and provide a personal statement related to their background and/or goals. Selection criteria also include community involvement or volunteer service, a financial needs worksheet, and letters of recommendation from faculty or an associate.

">Email Chris Robbins for application materials. Applications for the 2024 scholarship must be emailed or delivered to the District office by the deadline*. Note: The 2024 scholarship deadline has not yet been announced.

The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board awarded the 2022 Work for Water Scholarship to two local students: David Inchaurregui Jr. of Chula Vista and Kassandra Beltran of National City. Photos: Sweetwater Authority 2024 scholarship applications

The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board awarded the Work for Water Scholarship to two local students: David Inchaurregui Jr. of Chula Vista and Kassandra Beltran of National City. Photos: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority’s “Work for Water” scholarships are now open for applications.

Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to new or currently enrolled students at the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College or another accredited college, community college, or trade school with a career goal in the water industry.

The application deadline has not been determined. For questions regarding the scholarship, application, or uploading documentation, email or call Alessandra Angelone, Senior Public Affairs Representative, at (619) 409-6721.

The Mark Watton Scholarship Fund through the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges supports students attending the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College. It honors former Otay Water District General Manager Mark Watton’s four decades of service to the district.

Applicants must be currently enrolled for at least six units at Cuyamaca College, verify financial need, and complete the general application and essay. Scholarships of $1,000 are available. Application dates are March 25 to May 4, 2024.

Students should ">contact scholarship specialist Shirley Hughes with questions.

In addition, National University partners with the San Diego County Water Authority to offer a 25% tuition reduction scholarship to employees and employees of all member water agencies. The San Diego County Water Authority Tuition Reduction Scholarship benefits working adults who want to reach specific educational goals but find it challenging to fit classes into their busy life. The tuition-reduction scholarship can be applied to most associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Click for more information.

Professional association scholarships

Statewide scholarships are available through several organizations.

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) offers four undergraduate 2024 scholarships, one graduation 2024 scholarship and a fellowship opportunity to qualified applicants attending a University of California or California State University campus. Students must be juniors or seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree in a water-resources related field such as engineering, agriculture, environmental studies, or public administration. Criteria include scholastic achievement and motivation to the vocation of water-resources management.

ACWA began its scholarship programs in 1961 to motivate committed students to join the effort to ensure California’s water quality through sound management policies. The scholarship program is all about investing in future water leaders.

Deadline: March 1, 2024. Application Link. Questions? Call 916-441-4545 or email .

The California-Nevada section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) awards more than $20,000 in scholarships in support of students and professionals pursuing careers in a drinking water-related field. Two $5,000 graduate scholarships, four $2,500 undergraduate scholarships, and two $1,000 scholarships in support of training as a drinking water treatment/distribution operator are available.

Environmental and civil engineers; water, wastewater, and recycling treatment plant operators; distribution system operators; chemists; laboratory technicians; biologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists; and others whose roles support safe and reliable drinking water are all suitable 2024 scholarship candidates.

Deadline: March 15, 2024. Application Link. For information, call 909-481-7200 or email

The Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) Canham Graduate Studies 2024 scholarship provides $25,000 for a graduate student in the water environment field. The scholarship is for education-related expenses such as room and board, tuition, and books. The scholarship may not be used to cover stipends or wages.

The applicant must be a WEF member, complete an online application, and be enrolled in a graduate program. Recipients must commit to working in the water industry for two years following graduation.

Deadline: March 31, 2024. Apply online here. For questions, email

Six San DIego County students will have their artwork featured in the annual "Water Is Life" calendar for 2024.

San Diego County Student Artwork Featured in 2024 Calendar

December 26, 2023/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Six San Diego County student artists from four member water agencies are among the 37 Southern California students whose artwork will appear in the 2024 “Being Water Wise Is… ” Student Art Calendar.

The “Being Water Wise Is… ” Student Art Calendar is produced annually by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. It showcases student artwork illustrating important water conservation messages in a visual way. Water agencies submit artwork for consideration among the winners of their local competitions. This year, 26 Southern California water agencies submitted 234 entries.

The inspiring artwork and artists were recognized during a virtual awards event on Thursday, December 14. MWD Board Chairman Adán Ortega, Jr. thanked the students, their family and friends, and the many educators who support the annual contest.

Ortega Jr. told the winning students, “You are truly extraordinary and helping us to see water in new ways and bringing us greater appreciation for its value to our daily lives, and to our society overall.

“Thousands of people will see the calendar that will be published, celebrating winning entries, and learn from it as well.”

South Bay Represented by Otay and Sweetwater Winners

Student artwork from winners in the Otay Water District and Sweetwater Authority are featured on the August 2024 page.

Artwork created by Sophia Garvida, a seventh-grade Bonita Vista Middle School student, was selected for the calendar. Sophia represents the Otay Water District and won first place in the middle school category in the district’s service area competition.

Fifth grader Sofia Cardenas Loera, who attends the STEAM Academy in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, will also have her winning artwork in the calendar after winning the local competition.

“These two talented students used their artistic skills to share an important conservation message and illustrate the value of using water wisely. All of us at the Otay Water District are proud to have their creativity represent the district,” said Eileen Salmeron, communications assistant and poster contest coordinator.

Alondra Contreras Olvera, a third-grade student at Allen Elementary School, represents Sweetwater Authority in the calendar. The three South Bay student posters are on the August 2024 page.

East County Winners From Helix and Padre Dam

Catalina Jones is a second-time winner.

Catalina Raquel Jones, is a talented seventh grade student at La Mesa Arts Academy whose artwork represents the Helix Water District in the 2024 calendar. Catalina is a second-time winner. Her artwork was also selected last year when she was a sixth-grade student at Lemon Avenue Elementary School.

Cameron Kovar is the second winner from the Helix Water District.

Cameryn Kovar, who attends St. Martin of Tours Academy-La Mesa and is also in seventh grade, is the second Helix Water District student whose artwork will appear in the calendar. The Helix winners are on the July 2024 page.

Hayley Novotny’s winning student artwork represents the Padre Dam Municipal Water District in the 2024 calendar.

Hayley Novotny, a fifth-grade student at Cajon Park School in Santee, represents the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Her artwork is on the December 2024 page of the calendar.

Conservation message delivered through artistic expression

The “Water is Life” Student Art Calendar was created 35 years ago. It selects student art submitted from kindergarten through grade 12 to help convey water conservation messages. The annual calendar is distributed to 13,000 recipients each year.

Artwork from the student winners will remain on display at Metropolitan’s downtown Los Angeles headquarters in January. The traveling artwork will visit member agencies throughout the year. View the entire calendar here.

Students Recognized For Conservation Art, Scholarship Excellence by Vallecitos Water District

July 27, 2023/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Vallecitos Water District Board of Directors recognized students from district area schools for their excellence in the classroom in two separate contests: poster art for fourth graders and an essay competition for scholarships.

Students who compete for a scholarship must complete an essay and provide a personal statement related to their background and/or goals. The annual contest is open to students living or attending schools within the Vallecitos Water District service area and is intended to increase the knowledge and awareness of water-related issues affecting the region.

Six students were selected to receive $1,000 college scholarship: Phlavia Oyrem, La Jolla High School, who plans to attend Palomar College; Brook Sannella, San Marcos High School, who plans to attend UCSD; Daniel Baza, Evan Fox, and Caitlyn Hansen, who all attend Palomar College; and Julianna Stipica-Kelecic, who attends Cal State San Marcos and Palomar College.

Baza, Fox, Hansen, and Oyrem all plan to pursue water studies and water industry careers. Fox completed a Spring 2023 Internship with Vallecitos Water District while attending Palomar College.

Oyrem was selected as the Fall 2023 Intern with Vallecitos when she attends Palomar this fall.

Fourth graders promote water conservation through art

Double Peak K-8 fourth-grade student Natalie Clark of San Marcos win first place in the Vallecitos District’s 2023 Water Awareness Poster Contest. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Love Water, Save Water

In addition, three fourth-grade students from the local community were named winners of the district’s annual student poster art contest. The poster contest, which focuses on students in the fourth grade, is designed to promote understanding of water issues in elementary schools.

This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.” The three winning posters were selected from all entries based on their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design. The winning posters will appear in the 2024 Water Awareness Calendar, available for free at the district’s office starting in December 2023.

First Place: Natalie Clark of San Marcos. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Double Peak K-8 fourth-grade student Natalie Clark of San Marcos, age 10, received first place in the Vallecitos District’s 2023 Water Awareness Poster Contest. Her teacher is Abby Lyon. Natalie wrote about her entry, “I love water because we can’t live without it, and when I touch, see, smell the water, I feel connected.”

Mikaela Fuentes, second place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Mikaela Fuentes of Baypoint Academy, age 9, received second-place. Mikaela wrote about water: “It keeps us alive and is the source of all living things and animals.”

Grant Neum, third place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Grant Neum, also from Baypoint Academy, age 9, placed third. Grant wrote he loves water “Because water helps the world grow.”

(Editor’s note: The Vallecitos Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

The San Diego County Water Authority’s award-winning Citizens Water Academy kicked off its first class since 2020. Participants are at the top of Olivenhain Dam. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Citizens Water Academy Returns for Summer 2023

July 26, 2023/in Education, Features /by Kimberlyn Velasquez

On June 27, the San Diego County Water Authority kicked off its first Citizens Water Academy since 2020, when COVID-19 forced a shutdown of the program. The academy offers attendees the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Water Authority’s life-sustaining mission.

Participants learn firsthand about critical water issues affecting the region and go behind the scenes with water planners, managers, and engineers for an inside look at the water delivery system.

Citizens Water Academy-Olivenhain Dam-San Diego County Water Authority-education

Citizens Water Academy participants at the base of Olivenhain Dam. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority.

Building leaders in water

The Water Academy is geared toward civic and business leaders. This year’s class was held in three sessions starting on June 27 with a welcome and Water Authority overview by Acting General Manager Dan Denham.

Session two took place on July 12 with dinner and presentations about “Planning for a Water Resilient Future” with Jeff Stephenson, acting director of the Water Resources Department. A final session took place on July 15, and included presentations by Operations and Maintenance Department leaders, tours of the regional water delivery control room and emergency operations center, a tour of Olivenhain Dam, and a graduation ceremony.

Class participants come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. They include elected official representatives, retail water agency staff, Water Authority board members, and civic and business leaders from across the region.

“Despite our lack of natural resources, it’s easy to take our safe, reliable supply of water for granted,” said Acting General Manager Dan Denham. “We turn on the faucet and there’s the water, ready to be transformed into our morning cup of coffee. But how that water gets from point A to point B is an astounding work of engineering and strategic planning. The Water Academy is all about connecting our community to this intricate world.”

Award-winning program

The Citizens Water Academy launched in fall 2014. Over the years, 99% of participants said they would recommend the Water Academy to a colleague, and nearly 50% of graduates engaged in the Water Authority’s alumni network.

The Water Authority was honored with the Silver Bernays Mark of Excellence Award for the Citizens Water Academy from the San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in 2015. The program also won the Communications Initiative Award from the San Diego Section of the American Planning Association in 2016.

Water Authority staff are excited to bring this important program back to the community after a three-year pause due to the pandemic and look forward to hosting additional classes in the future. Information about future class dates will be posted here. The webpage also includes an interest form and nomination form for future Water Academy classes.

Seventh grader Sophia Garvida won the Middle School Category in the 2023 Otay Water District Student Poster Contest. Photo: Otay Water District Six student artists

Six Student Artists Win 2023 Otay Poster Contest

July 18, 2023/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Six students from schools in the Otay Water District are the winners of the annual Student Poster Contest. More than 53 students submitted entries from schools in Chula Vista, El Cajon, and Spring Valley. The poster art depicts the value of water and using water wisely.

Students in all grades were asked to create and submit a poster illustrating the theme “Being water wise is…” The District selected winners for the elementary and middle school categories. No high school entries were submitted.

“We are impressed by the representation of water conservation and stewardship in each participant’s artwork,” said Eileen Salmeron, communications assistant and contest coordinator. “Through this program, we find confidence that the young generations have a great awareness of the importance of taking good care of our most precious resource for the future needs of our region.”

Middle school winners

First place: Sophia Garvida, seventh grade, Bonita Vista Middle School. Photo: Otay Water District

Second place: Andrian Oraha, sixth grade, Hillsdale Middle School. Photo: Otay Water District

Third place: Alyssa Burkard, sixth grade, Hillsdale Middle School. Photo: Otay Water District

Elementary school winners

First place: Elias Mendoza, fifth grade, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Photo: Otay Water District

Second place: Katherine Soehn, sixth grade, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Photo: Otay Water District

Third place: Sofia Cardenas Loera, fifth grade, STEAM Academy. Photo: Otay Water District

Winners honored by Otay Water District Board of Directors

The six winners will be honored at the Otay Water District monthly Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, August 2. Each winner will receive a gift card, certificate, art kit, and goody bag.

In addition, the winning posters are entered in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s annual student poster contest. MWD selects posters from participating water agencies across Southern California to feature in its 2024 regional student art calendar.

Otay Water District students have an impressive record of being selected.

Two students from the Otay Water District had their artwork featured in the 2023 MWD calendar. Khilee Haull is a seventh grader at Hillsdale Middle School and won first place in the middle school contest. Christian-Kealoha Rogacion is in the fifth grade at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and won second place in the elementary school category. Sisters Lucia Perez Valles and Sofia Perez Valles had their work featured in the 2021 MWD calendar.

To learn more about the District’s contest and other education programs, visit otaywater.gov/education-programs.

(Editor’s note: The Otay Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

"Pond" is the Youth category winner by Lauren Berg. This category is for photographers 15 years old and younger. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Photographers Honored For Winning Images of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve

June 22, 2023/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Images from seven photographers were selected as the winners of the 16^th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest. The winning photos were recognized at the June 21 Olivenhain Municipal Water District board meeting.

The contest offers amateur photographers an opportunity to connect viewers with wildlife and the outdoors. Submissions support the reserve’s efforts to protect wildlife and natural resources.

The 784-acre reserve was developed by the water district (OMWD) in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority and the U.S. Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management in conjunction with the Olivenhain Water Storage Project and the Water Authority’s Emergency Storage Project. Opened in 1992, it is owned by the Water Authority and managed by OMWD. The reserve offers hiking and equestrian trails, mountain biking, wildlife and scenic viewing, and picnic areas.

Reserve’s natural beauty

“Our board is proud of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, and this contest helps promote the recreational opportunities it offers and showcases the importance of protecting open space,” said OMWD Board Director Marco San Antonio. “Close to a hundred entries captured the natural beauty preserved and protected at the reserve.”

Winners were chosen in five categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (under 15 years of age). The reserve’s Facebook followers also selected a People’s Choice award winner by voting for their favorite among 11 entries posted online.

Winning photographers

“Dewdrops” by Francis Bova – Best in Show

Francis Bova won Best in Show for her photo “Dewdrops.” Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Me-xal Overlook” by Jeff Shearer

“Me-xal Overlook” by Jeff Shearer is the winner in the “Scenic View” category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Reflection?” by Sabine Kurz-Sherman

The winner in the "Water" category is "Reflections?" by Sabine Kurz-Sherman. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The winner in the “Water Scenery” category is “Reflections?” by Sabine Kurz-Sherman. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Color Bloom” by Jaena Reyes

The winner in the “Plants” category is “Color Bloom” by Jaena Reyes. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Night Heron” by Kay Wood

The winner in the “Animal” category is “Night Heron” by Kay Wood. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Pond” by Lauren Berg

“Pond” is the Youth category winner by Lauren Berg. This category is for photographers 15 years old and younger. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Itsy Bitsy Momma” by Francis Bova – People’s Choice

“Itsy Bitsy Momma’ is the “People’s Choice” award, selected through a vote on the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Facebook page. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Prizes included tickets donated by San Diego Zoo, a canvas print donated by PC Photo & Imaging, outdoor equipment donated by REI, and a $100 cash prize donated by Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Reserve visitors can view winning photographs through the end of the year at the Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty. The interpretive center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., subject to docent availability. Contact OMWD park rangers at 760-632-4212 for a current schedule. The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is at 8833 Harmony Grove Road near Escondido. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to approximately thirty minutes before sunset. Admission and parking are free. More information is available at www.olivenhain.com/efrr.

(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

Winning artists in the 2023 Escondido Student Poster Art Contest. Front Row L-R: Annabella Trecha, Aysha Navarrete, Wyatt Hada, Avery Smith, Lincoln Steele, Belen Rios Perez, Avery Salazar, Amelia Scroggy. Back Row L-R: Aria Manoocheri, Andrea Garcia, Cassie Goodwin, Isaac Holsclaw. Photo: City of Escondido

Water Awareness Artwork Wins Escondido 2023 Student Poster Contest

June 7, 2023/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Twelve students have won the 2023 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest by illustrating the theme, “Love Water, Save Water.”

Winners have the opportunity to have their work featured in a regional North San Diego County water agencies calendar. First, second, and third-place winners will be featured in next year’s regional calendar.

Fourth-grade students in the City of Escondido water district have participated in its annual poster contest for decades. Students were asked to illustrate the value of water resources.

The 12 finalists were recently recognized at an Escondido City Council meeting.

Top winning artists in Escondido 2023 Student Poster Contest include

First Place: Andrea Garcia, Heritage Elementary School

Second Place: Amelia Scroggy, Heritage Elementary School

Third Place: Avery Salazar, Grace Christian School

Students receiving honorable mentions include

Annabelle Trecha
Aysha Navarrete
Belen Rios Perez
Lincoln Steele
Aria Manoocheri
Avery Smith
Cassie Goodwin
Isaac Holsclaw
Wyatt Hada

Winning students and their teachers receive prizes. The top 12 2023 Escondido Student Poster Contest winners are currently displayed on the City of Escondido website.

Contest part of comprehensive science education program

Student artists are recognized by the Escondido City Council for their winning poster entries. Photo: City of Escondido

The Escondido City Council recognizes student artists for their winning poster entries. Photo: City of Escondido

The City of Escondido supports local public and private schools by providing the Water Science Education Program to elementary and afterschool programs. The program teaches water science to raise awareness of the earth’s resources through interactive and collaborative activities supplementing each school’s science curriculum and helping meet Next Generation Science Standards. The annual poster contest is part of the program.

(Editor’s note: The City of Escondido is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

Fourth grade student Amara Drosi is one of ten winners in the 2023 Sweetwater Authority Student Poster Contest. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Student Artists Show Water Conservation Through Winning Art

June 6, 2023/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Sweetwater Authority selected 10 elementary school students as the winners of its “Being Water Wise Is…” 2023 Student Art Poster Contest. The annual contest is open to kindergarten through sixth-grade students in the Authority’s service area. The contest encourages students to think about the importance of water in their everyday lives, and how they can help protect and conserve water in their homes and community.

“We are thrilled to have received so many incredible posters this year from so many talented students,” said Sweetwater Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “The Authority runs this contest every year with the goal of helping students think critically about the importance of water. This year students did a fantastic job illustrating what being water-wise means to them.”

Winning student artwork

Oliver Bucud, Fourth Grade

Alandra Contreras Olvera, Third Grade

Sabrina Dacanay, Third Grade

Lee Ann Davis, Fourth Grade

Amara Drosi, Fourth Grade

Vanya Herroz, Fourth Grade

Audrey Manaig, Fourth Grade

Ryann Moody, Fourth Grade

Aaron Ramirez, Fourth Grade

Caleb Zacharzuk, Fourth Grade

Five students advance to regional competition

More than 60 students in the Authority’s service area submitted artwork for this year’s contest. Of the ten winners, five students will have their artwork submitted to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest:

Alondra Contreras Olvera
Sabrina Dacanay
LeeAnn Davis
Audrey Manaig
Ryann Moody

If selected, their art work will be featured in MWD’s 2024 art calendar. In 2023, second-grade student Melanie Garcia’s artwork was selected to represent Sweetwater Authority in the MWD student art calendar.

Second grader Melanie Garcia represents Sweetwater Authority with her winning student artwork. Photo: MWD

Second grader Melanie Garcia represents Sweetwater Authority with her winning artwork. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Winners received art supplies kits, sketchpads and gift cards. See all the winning posters: www.sweetwater.org/postercontest23.

(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

Helix Water District scholarship winners in 2023 Lily Martinez and Stephen Abkin. Photo: Helix Water District 2024 college scholarships

Outstanding Students Receive Helix Water District College Scholarships

May 24, 2023/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Valhalla High School senior Lily Martinez and Grossmont High School senior Stephen Abkin are the 2023 recipients of the Helix Water District’s Robert D. Friedgen and Dr. Lillian M. Childs college scholarships.

Martinez and Abkin were presented with their $1,000 scholarships at the May Board of Directors meeting.

Lily Martinez

Board members Mark Gracyk and Joel Scalzitti, Board Vice President Don McMillan, Lily Martinez, and Board President Kathleen Coates Hedberg. Photo: Helix Water District

Lily Martinez will attend UC San Diego and plans to major in biology. She is an Advance Placement Scholar of Distinction and a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar. Martinez’s score last year on the PSAT exam ranked in the top 1.25% of Hispanic high school juniors nationwide.

Martinez also receives the California State Seal of Biliteracy, given to students who score three or higher on a world language AP exam. She is a member of Valhalla’s varsity basketball team and works with children and refugee families through the Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa. Her goals are to complete medical school and become an oncologist or geneticist.

Stephen Abkin

Board members Mark Gracyk and Joel Scalzitti, Board Vice President Don McMillan, Stephen Abkin, and Board President Kathleen Coates Hedberg. Photo: Helix Water District

Stephen Abkin will attend Texas A&M and plans to major in computer science and electrical engineering. He interned at FOX Shocks in El Cajon last year, where he shadowed mechanical engineers to learn product design and development skills and computer-aided design. He captained Grossmont High School’s Academic/Quiz Bowl Team for the past two years. Abkin is also one of the top 20 junior bowlers in California and was ranked fourth in the state last year.

Abkin co-founded the 602 Race, an online gaming event to raise funds for Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital, and participates in several clubs at Grossmont. He also volunteers at Fletcher Hills Elementary School, producing outreach and tutorial videos, and keeps statistics for Little League. After college, he plans to develop technology to address environmental issues, such as plastic waste and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Scholarships honor Helix Water District legacy

The Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship was established upon his retirement in 1998, after serving as the Helix Water District’s general manager for 19 years. Friedgen provided the seed money for the scholarship. Board members and other supporters contributed additional funding.

The Dr. Lillian M. Childs Scholarship was started by the Helix board of directors one year later, in 1999 to honor Childs upon her retirement from the board and recognize her 20 years of service and leadership on behalf of the district.

Helix representatives contact high school counselors in November to help them inform eligible students about the annual scholarship contest. Applicants must live in the district’s service area, have excellent academic standing, excel in community service and extracurricular activities. Applicants submit an essay about the East County Advanced Water Purification Project and provide a personal goals statement with two letters of recommendation.

(Editor’s note: The Helix Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.)

Two student artists representing the Otay Water District are among the 37 Southern California students whose artwork will appear in the 2023 “Water Is Life” Student Art Calendar. Photo: MWD student artwork

Otay Water District Calls On Student Artists for Contest Entries

May 23, 2023/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Otay Water District calls on student artists in its service area to unleash their creativity in its annual Student Poster Contest. All students in district schools from kindergarten to 12th grade are invited to illustrate a new theme for the 2023 contest – “Being water wise is …”

Otay Water District’s annual educational program encourages students to create a poster demonstrating their water awareness. Water conservation or stewardship should be reflected in the artwork.

First place in 2022 in the high school category: Michael Armenion, eleventh grade, Otay Ranch High School. Photo: Otay Water District

Suggested examples include turning off the water while brushing your teeth, taking short showers, protecting water from pollution, or collecting rainwater in buckets and reusing it to water plants.

“This year’s theme ‘Being water wise is…’ invites students to share the many ways they can use water efficiently inside and outside their homes or schools,” said Eileen Salmeron, communications assistant and poster contest coordinator for the Otay Water District.

“Because our region and the state have faced many droughts, it is vital that younger generations start making water efficiency their way of life.”

Prizes Awarded In Three Categories

The contest features three categories: elementary, middle, and high school. First- and second-place winners from each category will win a $50-$75 gift card, certificate, art kit, and goodie bag. The District will also feature the winners in promotional materials and hold a recognition event at a monthly board meeting later this summer.

Selected posters will also be entered in a second contest held by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. MWD will select artwork to feature in its 2024 student art calendar.

First place, middle school: Khilee Haull, seventh grade, Hillsdale Middle School. Otay poster contest

First place, middle school: Khilee Haull, seventh grade, Hillsdale Middle School. Photo: Otay Water District

Two students from the Otay Water District have their artwork featured in the 2023 MWD calendar. Seventh grader Khilee Haull at Hillsdale Middle School won first place in the 2022 Otay Water District contest.

Second place, elementary school: Christian-Kealoha Rogacion, fifth grade, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. Photo: Otay Water District

Fifth grader Christian-Kealoha Rogacion at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School won second place in the 2022 Otay WD elementary school category.

The deadline to enter Otay’s contest is Friday, June 2, 2023. Hard-copy or digital entries are eligible.

Participants must attend a school within the water district’s service area and follow the contest guidelines at otaywater.gov/poster-contest.

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