The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors on April 26 honored six star students for top-tier water projects in the 2024 Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. The awards are part of the agency’s effort to inspire young people to solve water-related challenges and pursue water industry careers.
This year’s middle school and high school science and engineering projects displayed a wide range of innovative solutions to real world water problems. They were each honored with a plaque and a scholarship ranging from $100 to $300.
In the senior division, Lilian Zeng won first place by tackling a widespread, emerging issue – “forever chemicals” such as PFAs in drinking water. The tenth grader from Del Norte High School was inspired by her research on using naturally occurring substances and life forms — like active carbon and white rot fungi — to help mitigate issues caused by synthetic chemicals.
Leaning into new technology to solve existing problems
Sanya Kapoor, also a sophomore from Del Norte High School, captured second place in the senior division. She designed a machine learning algorithm that can optimize energy consumption at wastewater treatment and desalination plants.
Malik Mansour, a freshman at Bright Horizon Academy, secured third place in the senior division with his creation of a solar powered robot that cleans debris from rivers and other bodies of water.
Middle school students look for solutions to benefit the world
Middle school students like Aminah Siddiqui displayed their forward-thinking science and engineering knowledge and skills at this year’s event. Photo: Water Authority
In the junior division, eighth grader Aminah Siddiqui from Bright Horizon Academy won first place with her development of a water filtration system that can be used in developing countries, where resources and funding may be difficult to find. Aminah explained that her travels and personal experiences inspired her to look for solutions that could benefit underserved communities around the world.
Virginia Zhu, an eighth grader from Oak Valley Middle School, won second place in the junior division by designing and building an electronic smart watering system. Virginia’s idea came from her observations of her own garden as well as agricultural challenges throughout the state.
Emilio Castaneda Martinez, an eighth grader from Chula Vista Middle School, won third place in the junior division with his project that displayed data and solutions for tracking and filtering total dissolved solids in drinking water throughout San Diego County.
Inspiring the next generation of water professionals
Thousands of people across all levels of educational attainment work at the Water Authority and its 23 member agencies to provide safe and reliable water supplies to the region. Engineers, environmental scientists, system operators, maintenance technicians, customer service representatives, and utility workers are just some of the many careers available in the water industry.
As water agencies look for the next generation of industry professionals and leaders, participating in events such as the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair helps current water professionals connect with students who may be interested in joining the water workforce.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Science-fair-845x450-1.jpg450845Kristiene Gonghttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngKristiene Gong2024-04-29 16:34:492024-04-29 16:34:49Future Water Leaders Shine at 2024 Science and Engineering Fair
A partnership between Palomar College’s Water Technology Program and the Vallecitos Water District’s workforce development program gives students a hands-on opportunity to explore water and wastewater industry jobs and increase their career readiness.
Vallecitos Water District intern Ben Crane works as part of the collections department. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Palomar College professor Jacob Shiba and Vallecitos Water District Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins first discussed the idea in 2019. “We talked about having the interns spend time in each department so they would get the full depth and breadth of our employee roles,” said Robbins. “I also explained to Jacob that it would need (leadership support). I put him in touch with board member Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, and she became the force behind getting approval.”
The District’s leadership and board supported the program’s development, but its implementation was delayed due to the pandemic. It is now underway, with five students accepted into the program.
See a video about the internship program here.
Internships invaluable for Palomar students
The internship is open to any Palomar College students who have taken a water technology course. Participants are selected through a competitive interview process.
Shiba says the objective is to ensure Palomar students are ready to enter the workforce. “Palomar’s partnership with Vallecitos Water District is invaluable, and it’s really helped our program increase the number of workplace learning opportunities for our students so that they are as career-ready as they can be when they complete our program.”
Ben Crane learned about the internship opportunity from Shiba and he decided to go for it. He also applied for and received a scholarship from the Vallecitos Water District. “I learned a great deal about our water distribution system and how our water is treated.”
Crane spent two days in each department, working alongside Vallecitos water and wastewater professionals. He said he enjoyed learning how to work in teams and was encouraged to ask questions, and everyone gave him insight on how he should approach his career.
Among his highlights was spending time with general manager James Gumpel, who was assistant general manager at the time. “He helped me understand what it’s like to be upper management. He gave me some insight from a seasoned guy who has been in the industry a while,” said Crane.
Interns experience a wide variety of careers
Vallecitos Water District intern Logan Crawford assists with residential water meter readings. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Palomar College student Logan Crawford is currently working his way through the internship program. He said he’s improved his skills working with his hands, joining field crews in the meter department, and practicing his public speaking skills.
Crawford advises participants to keep an open mind. “You go through pretty much every department the district has to offer. It may not be something you think you’re interested in, but you might find yourself falling in love with (the job), and you had no idea. Keeping an open mind really helps. Every day I come to the internship, it’s a new experience.”
After completing his internship, Palomar College student Evan Fox found full-time employment. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Intern Evan Fox successfully found full-time employment with the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority after his internship.
Crane, who is continuing his education as a geography major at Cal State San Marcos, encouraged other students to apply. “It’s a great opportunity. If you’re still pursuing your education … If you’re thinking of pursuing in the water industry, this is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door.”
Developing skilled workforce of the future
Learning to work as part of a team is a vital takeaway from the Palomar College and Vallecitos Water District internship program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Shiba praised the partnership for giving students the opportunity to increase their career readiness “so that they are ready to enter the water workforce to become a future water and wastewater specialist.” Shiba notes the importance of workforce development is what allows customers “to wash our hands, flush the toilet and take a shower 24/7.”
“It’s been a great success,” said Robbins. “Some of my favorite moments are when an intern realizes he or she likes a department more than they expected. The mechanical electrical department is often a surprise for students. They had not thought of all the pumps and motors we must maintain.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/VWD-Interns-Phlavia-Oryem-lab-845x450-1.jpg453845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2024-04-16 20:22:552024-04-16 20:22:55Palomar College and Vallecitos Water District Internship Program Develops Water Workforce
The San Diego County Water Authority and San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) have embarked on a pioneering education partnership to inspire students regionwide to pursue careers in the water and wastewater industry. This new program is the latest initiative in a long history of regional education outreach reaching hundreds of thousands of students in the last two decades.
At the Innovation Center in Linda Vista, SDCOE hosts groups of students, many of whom come from underserved and underrepresented communities, for weeklong innovation programs. These programs are designed to help students identify their individual strengths through an assessment, which highlights several strength areas: Realistic (R), Investigative (I), Artistic (A), Social (S), Enterprising (E), and Conventional (C).
Priority Career Sectors Critical to Region’s Economic Future
Students are grouped into teams that have complementary strengths to work together on water-related activities and learn about possible water industry career paths. Photo: San Diego County Office of Education
“At the Linda Vista Innovation Center, we aim to inspire kids to find their strengths, interests, and values and match those with San Diego Workforce Partnership priority sector careers,” said Dr. Matthew Tessier, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation at the San Diego County Office of Education. “Partnerships with organizations like the San Diego County Water Authority are crucial to our mission, and we look forward to working together to build a brighter future for all.”
These programs give students a glimpse into the opportunities available in various industries, many of which are on the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s priority list. The industries on the list are critical to the region’s economy and will need to hire substantial numbers of capable new employees in the foreseeable future.
Education Partnership Informs Students About Water Industry Careers
The Innovation Center also supports SDCOE’s goals to significantly reduce the number of students living in poverty and reduce overall unemployment in the region over the next decade. By matching students with potential career paths and inspiring them to lean into their strengths early on, thousands of students from elementary to high school leave the program knowing about opportunities that they may not have known about otherwise.
Organizations like the Water Authority and its member agencies benefit from generations of students becoming interested in water-related careers, which are essential to the region’s economy and quality of life.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SDCOE-Activity-845x450-1.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2024-04-04 13:30:122024-04-04 13:30:12Education Partnership Inspires Future Water Leaders
Following a winter with generous rainfall, this spring is an ideal time for San Diego County residents to turn their water-thirsty landscaping into a beautiful, sustainable landscape ideal for the region’s Mediterranean climate.
The Water Authority’s WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Program’s classes are open for registration. The free WaterSmart landscaping classes offer several choices designed to give you the skills and knowledge to create a landscape that saves water and will thrive in our region.
With help from design professionals, learn to transform your landscaping into a beautiful, colorful space and use less water. Photo: Helix Water District
“The workshops are designed to help residents create and maintain their own beautiful and water-efficient outdoor spaces,” said Debby Dunn, a senior water resources specialist for the Water Authority. “Most of our residential water use is outdoors in our landscapes. This is why learning how to create water-efficient spaces is a great way for San Diegans to continue doing their part to use water efficiently.”
Choose from in-person or virtual workshops scheduled from March through June. The in-person five-class series will run each Wednesday starting March 20 from 2-5pm at the Water Authority’s headquarters at 4677 Overland Avenue in Kearny Mesa.
Workshops taught by design professionals
Workshops are taught with a do-it-yourself approach by local landscape design professionals. They cover landscape design and maintenance, soil identification and health, turf types, and removal tips, plant selection, rainwater catchment, irrigation retrofits, and project installation. Topics include:
Plan Ahead: Understanding Soil and Site Assessments
Design: Shape Your Space
Plants: Inspiring Choices for our Region
Water & Irrigation: Utilizing a Precious Resource
Installation and Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment
Participants can attend individual workshops or all five. Participants who attend all five workshops and meet other program criteria can sign up for the Designer At Your Door program.
Landscape makeover video series offers convenient tips
For a self-paced program or as a supplement to the workshops, the Water Authority offers short, educational on-demand videos with step-by-step advice. The topics mirror the workshops. To watch the videos go to sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/classes and click on the videos link.
Watch one of the videos below.
Since 2014, the WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Program has helped the region’s homeowners replace 1.5 million square feet of turf with sustainable landscaping, saving more than 51 million gallons of water per year.
San Diego offers the ideal climate for indoor-outdoor living. The Water Authority and its sustainability partners are committed to helping you design a garden to live in and support a healthy environment.
For questions about the Water Authority’s free WaterSmart Landscape classes, email
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/03-Landscape-Horizontal-845X450.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2024-03-11 09:40:112024-03-11 09:40:11Register Now For Free Spring WaterSmart Landscape Classes
The speakers list for the 2024 Women in Water Symposium, “Empowering The Next Generation of Women,” is now set.
The event returns for its seventh year with a full-day event on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Cuyamaca College. Registration remains open.
Panelists representing a wide variety of disciplines at all levels will discuss career opportunities and paths. The full program is below the article.
Sarah Hargis, wastewater utility worker for the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, is a featured speaker. Photo: Sarah Hargis
“One of the biggest misconceptions about working in water may be that it’s solely about fixing pipes when in reality, it involves a wide range of roles requiring diverse skills such as engineering, science, management, IT, accounting, public outreach, and so much more,” said Sarah Hargis, wastewater utility worker for the Padre Dam Municipal Water District.
“The most rewarding aspect of working as a construction inspector for a municipal water/wastewater district is knowing that I make a direct impact on the community by improving the longevity and quality of the water/wastewater infrastructure.”
Zoë Scott, marine biologist in the Ocean Monitoring Program at the City of San Diego, said people often imagine her job might be confined to a testing lab. Photo: Zoe Scott
Zoë Scott, marine biologist in the Ocean Monitoring Program at the City of San Diego, said people often imagine her job might be boring. “We participate in collaborations with other research entities to answer new and relevant research questions facing our oceans on topics such as ocean acidification, eutrophication, and microplastics. All this together means that our day-to-day can look very different; one day I could be at sea, the next at my microscope, the next at a research meeting, the next writing code to analyze our data and produce reports,” she said.
Debby Dunn poses with her “Groovy Garden” exhibit at the San Diego County Fair. Photo: Debby Dunn
Debby Dunn, senior water resources specialist at the San Diego County Water Authority, said working for the public is especially rewarding: “By working in water efficiency, I get to create programs and projects that help residents and businesses use water wisely. This includes reducing leaks and helping people design waterwise wonderlands that are beautiful and invite birds, bees, and butterflies.”
Career discussions address varied experience levels
The event includes sessions that address career development, leadership, mentoring, interviewing and negotiation tips, diversity, and dealing with change. The day concludes with a networking opportunity at the Water Conservation Garden.
General admission is $35, but students, educators, and counselors can attend for free. Event registration is available online.
The water and wastewater industry offers vast opportunities in engineering, operations, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.
Approximately 4,500 professionals serve the San Diego region in water and wastewater careers. More than 1,400 of those workers are expected to reach retirement age within the next five years. Water and wastewater treatment plant operators in California earn an annual mean wage of more than $77,890 in 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. California is one of the states with the greatest employment opportunities in this career field.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/San-Diego-EPA-WaterSense-PRIMARY-WNN.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2024-03-11 02:08:332024-03-11 02:08:33Women in Water Conference Speakers List Announced
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.
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 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 Work for Water Scholarship to two local students: David Inchaurregui Jr. of Chula Vista and Kassandra Beltran of National City. Photos: Sweetwater Authority
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.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Helix-Scholarship-Lily-Martinez-Board-845X450.jpg451845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2024-01-29 18:13:562024-01-29 18:32:482024 Scholarship Applications Open for Aspiring Water Professionals
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.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024-Student-Artwork-Winners-845X450-copy.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-12-26 15:55:192023-12-26 15:55:19San Diego County Student Artwork Featured in 2024 Calendar
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.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/VWD-2023-Scholarships_8269-845x450-1.jpg450845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-07-27 13:17:402023-07-27 13:45:13Students Recognized For Conservation Art, Scholarship Excellence by Vallecitos Water District
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 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.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/CWAReturnsDam845x450.jpg450845Kimberlyn Velasquezhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngKimberlyn Velasquez2023-07-26 07:54:032023-08-01 14:35:44Citizens Water Academy Returns for Summer 2023
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.”
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.
(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.)
