Three fourth-grade student artists were recognized for their award-winning artwork by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board of Directors at its May 18 meeting as the top three entries in the 2022 “Love Water, Save Water” Poster Contest.

For 29 years, the district has invited fourth-grade students living or attending school within the Olivenhain Municipal Water District service area to enter the contest and create posters depicting the theme “Love Water, Save Water.”

“Given the drought conditions experienced throughout California, educational opportunities like this encourage students to learn more about water and their environment,” said OMWD Board Vice President Kristie Bruce-Lane. “The contest allows elementary school children to showcase their creative talents by conveying the importance of water use efficiency through art.”

 The 2022 OMWD Water Awareness Poster Contest winners are:

Indira Jayanti, Stone Ranch Elementary School: Indira’s poster depicts her creative interpretation of rainwater harvesting. Indira says she was inspired to participate in the contest “because I believe in saving water and I care about Planet Earth.” She saves water at home by sticking to a five-minute shower and turning off sprinklers when it’s going to rain. She like science and math, sports like tennis, basketball, and swimming, and loves to sing and dance.

Ariana Lemle, Flora Vista Elementary School: Ariana’s poster featured a large drop of water illustrating four different natural landscapes dependent on water. Ariana repurposes materials around the home like old cereal boxes, food labels, egg cartons, and clothing fabric for her drawing and designing projects. On weekends, you can find Ariana swimming, spending time with friends, crafting, drawing, or camping with her dad. She is happiest when she is out exploring and trying new things.

Emalyn Negrea, Flora Vista Elementary School: Emalyn’s artwork shows two mermaids happily swimming in water. She says her artwork was inspired by her love of the ocean and helping our planet “so that we are able to continue to enjoy its beauty for many years to come.” She enjoys art, surfing, snowboarding, and soccer. On weekends, you can find her enjoying time with family and friends.

The contest teaches students the value of water as a limited resource and the importance of using it wisely, while providing OMWD with locally produced artwork to reinforce this message to its customers.

The recognized posters will be featured in a 2023 Water Awareness Calendar available to the public later this year.

(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 metropolitan San Diego region.)