Eight high school students were honored for their award-winning photographs in the annual Sweetwater Authority High School Photo Contest. The winners were selected from a group of 62 students from high schools across the South Bay within the Authority’s service area. Students submitted 148 entries in two categories, color, and black and white.

Winners were recognized at the April 26 Sweetwater Authority board meeting.

“The Board is proud to support this annual contest and looks forward to seeing the entries and continued involvement from our local high school community,” said Sweetwater Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “We are continually amazed by the talent and photography skills of students in our service area, and we encourage residents to go to see the photos at the Bonita Museum and Historical Society.”

Color Category Winners

First Place: “Make A Splash,” Cristian Ramirez, Hilltop High School, Grade 12

Second Place: “Life,” Averie Acosta, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10

Third Place: “Hilltop Park Stream,” Daniel Hernandez, Chula Vista High School, Grade 9

Honorable Mention: “A Stroke of Color,” Andrea Covarrubias, Hilltop High School

Honorable Mention: “Calaman-sea,” Jeremy De Las Alas, Bonita Vista High School

Honorable Mention: “Ripples and Rocks,” Stuart Nelson, Hilltop High School

Black & White Category Winners

First Place: “Match,” Averie Acosta, Bonita Vista High School, Grade 10

Second Place: “Kick the Water,” Allison Reyes, Bonita Vista, High School, Grade 11

Third Place: “Drops on Umbrella,” Stuart Nelson, Hilltop High School, Grade 12

Honorable Mention: “Morning Dew,” Jeremy De Las Alas, Bonita Vista High School

Honorable Mention: “The Rose,” Nicholas Gallegos, Hilltop High School

All the winning photos are displayed online, and at a special exhibit at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center.

(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.)