The Olivenhain Municipal Water District Board of Directors recognized the winners of the 2026 North County Water Agencies Fourth Grade Water Awareness Poster Contest at its May board meeting.
Now in its 33rd year, students were asked to create artwork depicting the theme “Love Water, Save Water.” All participating students learn about the region’s water supply and the need for water conservation as part of the contest.
“The annual poster contest offers future water stewards the chance to showcase their creativity and share their understanding of why saving water is so important,” said board president Matthew Hahn. “On behalf of the entire board, a heartfelt thank you to every student who participated this year, and a big congratulations to all the winners!”
Winning Entries Reflect Respect for the Environment
Winning entries were submitted by students Austin M. from Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School, Yohan R. from Monterey Ridge Elementary School, and Kira S. from Stone Ranch Elementary School.
Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Austin M. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Austin’s poster features an image of the Earth as a crying eye, with oceans forming tears that flow into the word ‘Water.’ His poster highlights the urgency of conserving water and protecting the planet.
Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Yohan R. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Yohan’s entry showcases an hourglass filled with water flowing from a faucet. It symbolizes that time is of the essence and every drop counts. The poster also includes the messages ‘Love Water, Save Water’ and ‘Preserve Every Drop.’
Winning entry 2026 Student Poster Contest created by Kira S. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Kira’s poster depicts a vibrant underwater scene filled with marine life. It includes a whale, fish, turtles, and coral. Her poster emphasizes the potential impacts of water pollution with the phrase “Say No to Plastic” and “To Love Water, Save Water.”
All three winning posters will be featured in the 2027 North County Water Awareness Calendar.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/omwd-2026-posters-winners.jpg7191080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-06-02 07:39:152026-06-02 07:39:15Olivenhain Municipal Water District Spotlights 2026 Poster Contest Winners
The Vallecitos Water District Board of Directors recognized students from local schools for their excellence in the classroom through its scholarship program and through its annual student poster art competition.
The District awarded $2,000 scholarships to six deserving students at its May board meeting. The scholarship program was established by the Board in 2022 to provide scholarships to high school students, as well as students at Palomar College and California State University San Marcos, to encourage students to pursue a water career.
Winning Lineup of Scholarship Winners
Vallecitos Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins introduced the scholarship recipients in the style of a ballpark public address announcer in a unique and popular presentation. Each student stepped up to ‘the plate’ as Robbins offered personal information about each recipient.
“Leading off for the Vallecitos Scholarships, setting the table, Palomar student and successful intern with Vallecitos during the Fall 2025 semester and currently working as the Outreach Specialist for the Water and Wastewater Technology Program at Palomar, Carly Gresham.
“Second in your lineup is a three-sport star, an honors student, ASB leader, and varsity captain ready to help shape the future of California infrastructure — planning to attend SDSU, from San Marcos High School, Carson Hackett.
“Batting third for Vallecitos, a leader, AVID student, bilingual scholar and community volunteer has the vision, resilience, and leadership to help shape tomorrow’s projects and communities — also planning to attend San Diego State, from Mission Hills High School, Ashley Perez.
“In the cleanup spot, working to keep the campus clean at Mission Hills High School and planning to attend UC Irvine and get a degree in Environmental Science, from San Marcos High School, student athlete runner and dancer, Keira Klima.
“Up fifth, keeping the rally going, this future innovator has already launched businesses, tutored fellow students, and explored the frontiers of AI and cybersecurity – Planning to attend UCLA, from Mission Hills High School, Tanner Rankin.
“Last but certainly not least, a student whose internship experience here at Vallecitos along with his D2 and T2 certifications, make him a future water professional committed to protecting one of our region’s most valuable resources — from Palomar College, Charles Zhou.”
Students Honored as 2026 Student Poster Art Contest Winners
Vallecitos 2026 Student Poster Contest winners (L to R): Board Member Tanis Brown, First Place Winner EV Casiday, Board Member Jim Hernandez, Second Place Winner Fiona Basham, Board President Jennifer Kerschbaum, Third Place Winner Ayleen Guillen, Board Member Jim Pennock. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Also at the May board of directors meeting, three students were recognized as the winners of the 2026 Student Poster Art Contest, sponsored by water agencies throughout Southern California as a way to educate students about water conservation. All winners received Amazon gift cards and tickets to the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park.
Winners will be entered into regional competition for the opportunity to appear in the 2027 Metropolitan Water District calendar.
See the winning artwork.
First Place Winner: EV Casiday. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Second Place: Fiona Rose. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Third Place: Ayleen Sophia Guillen. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/vwd-scholarship-winners.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-05-26 07:51:432026-05-26 11:10:21Students Honored For Accomplishments by Vallecitos Water District
The Vista Irrigation District recognized students from its communities for winning artwork in its annual poster contest, and awarded college scholarships to five deserving high school seniors.
Scholarship Winners Highlight Water Issues
Vista Irrigation District’s annual scholarship contest is open to high school seniors living within the district’s service area. Students must submit applications demonstrating their knowledge and awareness of water-related issues affecting the district.
The winning applicants:
Rahel Chiwai, who attends Mission Charbel Vista High School, received the top $3,000 scholarship.
Rancho Buena Vista High School senior Taylor Sheridan received a $2,500 scholarship.
Three $1,000 scholarships were awarded to Stephanie Aguilar from Mission Vista High School, Kawai Chau from Rancho Buena Vista High School, and Yahir Landeros of Vista High School.
Student Share Water Conservation Messages Through Art
Vista Irrigation District staff selected work by three fourth-grade students from the local community as winners of two separate district‑sponsored contests.
The 2026 Student Water Awareness Poster Contest targets fourth-grade students. It is designed to promote an understanding of water issues in elementary schools.
This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.”
The three winning posters were selected from 168 entries based on their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design.
All three winners’ artwork will appear in the 2027 Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available, free of charge, at the district’s office in November 2026.
Winning Poster Contest Entries
First Place 2026 Student Poster Contest winner: Charbel Merhi. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Charbel Merhi, a fourth-grade student from St. Francis of Assisi School, received first-place honors from the Vista Irrigation District for his entry in the 2026 Water Awareness Poster Contest. He received a $100 award.
Second Place 2026 Student Poster Contest winner: Riley Semer. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Riley Semer, a fourth-grade student also from St. Francis of Assisi School, received second place and a $50 award.
Third Place 2026 Student Poster Contest winner: Zoey Watts. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Zoey Watts, a fourth-grader attending Empresa Elementary School, won third place and received a $25 award.
Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board. The district provides water service to roughly 135,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/scholarship-winners-left-to-right-rahel-chiwai-stephanie-aguliar-yahir-landeros-taylor-sheridan-kawai-chau.jpg7191080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-05-15 07:22:262026-05-15 07:22:26Vista Irrigation District Names Art Contest and Scholarship Winners
Helix Water District honored ten local student artists from kindergarten up through eighth grade for their winning entries in the District’s 2026 Student Poster Contest. The students were recognized by the Helix Water District board of directors in an awards ceremony at its May board meeting.
Each year, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, one of Helix’s wholesale water providers, holds a regional poster contest to raise students’ awareness of water. Students are asked to create a design of their choice showcasing the theme “Being Water Wise Is.”
Helix Water District promotes the contest to all schools within its service area.
The following student artists took top honors for 2026.
First Place, K-2 Division: Evie Makin, Second Grade, La Mesa Dale Elementary School, La Mesa. Photo: Helix Water District
Grades K – 2 Category
First Place: Evie Makin, Second Grade, La Mesa Dale Elementary School, La Mesa
First place in the Grade 3-4 category: Heather Medina, Highlands Elementary School. Photo: Helix Water DIstrict
Grades 3 – 4 Category
First Place: Heather Medina, Fourth Grade, Highlands Elementary School, La Mesa
Grades 3 and 4 winners: Second Place: Zoey Castillo, Highlands Elementary School in La Mesa; Third Place: Joy-Elise Tavarez, Northmont Elementary School, La Mesa; and Honorable Mention: Hayley Argyle, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon. Photo: Helix Water District
Second Place: Zoey Castillo, Fourth Grade, Highlands Elementary School, La Mesa
Third Place: Joy-Elise Tavarez, Fourth Grade at Northmont Elementary School, La Mesa
Honorable Mention: Hayley Argyle, Fourth Grade at Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon
Fifth grade winners: First Place: Lilly Mallory, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon; Second Place: Brooklynn Harr, Fletcher Hills Elementary School, El Cajon; Third Place: Natalie Trillas, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon. Photo: Helix Water District
Grade 5 Category
First Place: Lilly Mallory, Fifth Grade at Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon
Second Place: Brooklynn Harr, Fifth Grade, Fletcher Hills Elementary School, El Cajon
Third Place: Natalie Trillas, Fifth Grade, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon
Grades 6-8 Winners: First Place: Brooklyn Gray, Seventh Grade, Learning Choice Academy, La Mesa; and Honorable Mention: Mikaela Moore, Fifth Grade, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon. Photo: Helix Water District
Grades 6 – 8 Category
First Place: Brooklyn Gray, Seventh Grade, Learning Choice Academy, La Mesa
Honorable Mention: Mikaela Moore, Fifth Grade, Flying Hills School of the Arts, El Cajon
Helix Students On a Seven-Year Winning Streak
The Helix Water District now forwards the winning posters to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to be considered for inclusion in its 2027 “Being Water Wise Is” calendar.
Helix Water District winners have been selected for the Metropolitan calendar every year since 2020. Eighth grade student Emma Phillips of Christ Lutheran School was selected for the 2026 calendar. Her artwork appears on the August 2026 page.
Helix Charter High School ninth-grade student Catalina Jones’ artwork has been selected for the Metropolitan calendar twice. Her artwork appeared in the 2024 calendar and the 2023 calendar.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/helix-2026-poster-firsts-copy.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-05-14 07:17:112026-05-14 07:17:112026 Student Poster Contest Winners Named by Helix Water District
San Diego regional member water agencies and California water associations offer multiple college scholarship opportunities in 2026 to help candidates secure their education as water and wastewater professionals.
The acceleration of industry retirements, along with the increasing need for a skilled workforce trained to implement new technologies, is driving greater efforts to develop more skilled individuals for water and wastewater industry jobs, including in San Diego County.
Scholarships are available for community college, four-year colleges and universities, and graduate-level programs. The following examples are due in the coming weeks for the following academic school year.
San Diego Regional Water Scholarships
Helix Water District Scholarships
Helix Water District will recognize two outstanding graduating high school seniors living within the district’s service area with $2,000 scholarships for their university studies next fall. The amount of the award has increased from 2025.
The Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship and the 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. These scholarship awards have also increased to $2,000 this year.
Applicants must graduate in Spring 2026 and attend a four-year college or university starting in Fall 2026. 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.
Vallecitos Water District Scholarships
Six scholarships are available for high school and college students who are residents of the 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 $2,000 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. Scholarship applications from students pursuing a career in water, environmental science, engineering or other related fields are highly desirable.
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.
Scholarship packages are now available. Email Chris Robbins to get application materials. Applications for the 2026 scholarship must be emailed or delivered to the District office by Friday, March 27, 2026.
Vista Irrigation District invites local high school seniors to compete for up to six scholarship(s) 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 20, 2026. 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 with questions or to request application information.
Sweetwater Authority “Work For Water” Scholarships
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 .
Institution-Based College Scholarships
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 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 23 to May 1, 2026.
Students can contact Cuyamaca College scholarship specialist Shirley Hughes with questions at
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.
Statewide Water Association Scholarships
Association of California Water Agencies Scholarships for Undergrads and Grad Students
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) offers three undergraduate scholarships, two graduate 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, 2026. Application Link. For questions, call 916-441-4545 or email .
American Water Works Association Scholarships
The American Water Works Association offers scholarships for graduate and undergraduate studies.
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. Three $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 candidates.
Deadline: March 15, 2026. Application Link. For information, call 909-481-7200 or email
Water Education Foundation For Graduate Students
The Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) Canham Graduate Studies 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.
Undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields can also explore careers in water through the InFLOW STEMpath Track program, which introduces them to water industry careers through virtual education and an annual conference. Learn more on the program webpage.
With approximately 1,400 water and wastewater jobs expected to open up across San Diego County in the next five years due to retirements, water industry careers offer promising lifelong professional opportunities. For more information, visit sandiegowaterworks.org
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2025-04-21-an-0986-dfd-apprentice.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-02-06 07:26:552026-02-07 13:56:162026 Scholarship Applications Open for Aspiring San Diego Water Professionals
The Helix Water District plays host this week to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s “Being Water Wise Is” traveling art show, now through January 30, at its administration office, located at 7811 University Avenue in La Mesa.
The show displays the original artwork created by talented students from kindergarten through 12th grade from across Southern California, including member agency entrants from San Diego County.
The winning poster from Helix Water District 2025 contest entrant Emma Phillips is featured in the art show. Her poster is among those included in the Metropolitan Water District’s 2026 “Being Water Wise Is” calendar. Emma is an eighth-grade student at Christ Lutheran School.
Winning Ways By Helix Student Artists
The winning entry from Emma Phillips. Photo: Helix Water District
Each year, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, one of our wholesale water providers, holds a regional poster contest to increase student awareness about water. This past year, kindergarten through 12th-grade students throughout the Helix Water District competed to have their poster win the district’s poster contest and claim a coveted spot in the Metropolitan Water District’s “Being Water Wise Is” calendar.
Helix Water District winners have been selected for the Metropolitan calendar every year since 2020. The 2025 high school winner, Helix Charter High School ninth-grader Catalina Jones, has won the Helix Water District Contest twice and had her artwork selected for the Metropolitan calendar twice. Her artwork appeared in the 2024 and 2023 calendars.
Other winning students include Charlotte Chatham (2025), Cameryn Kovar (2024), Clare Brandt (2023), Lucas Regimbal (2022), Jose Sabedra and Mina Saeed (2021), and Valeria Ramirez (2020). Phillips now joins them.
Members of the public are welcome to view the art show during business hours at the Helix Water District administration building in La Mesa this week. Photo: Helix Water District
The public is welcome to visit the Helix Water District administration office during business hours to enjoy these inspiring works of art. The district thanks all its past participants for their creativity and commitment to water-wise practices and looks forward to new entries in the 2026 “Being Water Wise Is” Student Poster Art contest.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/helix-art-show-0092-1080x720.jpg7231080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-01-27 07:29:252026-01-27 07:29:25Helix Water District Hosts Student Art Show
The WateReuse Association of California named the 2024 Water Career Day hosted by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District, San Elijo Joint Powers Authority, and Leucadia Wastewater District as its 2025 Outreach and Education Program of the Year award winner.
The mission of Water Career Day is to educate students and veterans about careers in water, wastewater, and recycled water.
Olivenhain Municipal Water District Assistant General Manager Joey Randall speaks with Water Career Day students. Photo: Leucadia Wastewater District
The event, hosted at the San Elijo Water Campus, welcomed high school and community college students, and military veterans exploring post-service careers. Each agency engaged with attendees at interactive stations, performed demonstrations on real-world infrastructure, and provided insight into the industry’s diverse range of career pathways.
Watch a video with 2024 Water Career Day highlights,
“We are honored to receive this award recognizing Water Career Day,” said Leucadia Wastewater District board president Rolando Saldana. “By engaging high school and college students, we hope to inspire the next generation to consider careers in the water and wastewater industry, vital services that protect public health, the environment, and our community’s future.”
“SEJPA is proud to have hosted Water Career Day at the San Elijo Water Campus. This event reflects our commitment to investing in our community and preparing the next generation of water professionals.
“By inspiring students and veterans to explore careers in water, we advance our mission to provide safe and reliable recycled water and wastewater services that protect public health and the environment,” added Kristi Becker, San Elijo JPA Board Chair, and Solana Beach city councilmember.
“With firsthand experience across various areas in the water industry, these students are more equipped to choose their future career paths,” said OMWD Board President Matthew R. Hahn.
“Water Career Day fostered a stronger appreciation for careers in the water sector among the next generation.“
Water Industry Offers Wide Range of Career Opportunities
Olivenhain Municipal Water District Field Services Technician Morgan Ferguson demonstrates the type of tasks he performs as a water industry professional. Photo: Leucadia Wastewater District
With hundreds of highly skilled employees retiring from the region’s water and wastewater industry each year, the industry provides vast opportunities for exciting careers that directly support the well-being of communities across San Diego County.
The water industry offers a career path with competitive pay and excellent benefits. Many operational positions require technical skills that may be obtained through on-the-job training and industry-specific certifications, with education available at the region’s community colleges, including Palomar College and Cuyamaca College.
In addition to operational jobs, there are several other career opportunities that play critical roles in engineering, finance, public affairs, human resources, administration, and information technology.
Partners in Advancing Sustainable Water Sources
Water Career Day took place at the San Elijo Water Campus, a publicly owned wastewater treatment and water recycling facility responsible for collecting, treating and safely disposing of, or recycling wastewater and its residuals for residents and businesses in the Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Olivenhain and Cardiff communities. The plant is located in the Cardiff area, off Manchester Avenue. Photo: Leucadia Wastewater District
Formed in 1990, WaterReuse Association is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the beneficial and efficient uses of high-quality, locally produced, sustainable water sources for the betterment of society and the environment through advocacy, education and outreach, research, and membership. WateReuse California is a state section of WateReuse Association.
Olivenhain Municipal Water District is a public agency providing water, wastewater services, recycled water, hydroelectricity, and operation of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. Organized in 1959, OMWD currently serves approximately 87,000 customers over 48 square miles in northern San Diego County.
The San Elijo Joint Powers Authority is a local leader in environmental stewardship, providing award-winning wastewater treatment and recycled water services for the communities of Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe.
Leucadia Wastewater District was formed in 1959 to collect, transport, and treat wastewater and provide recycled water for irrigation. LWD provides service to about 60,000 customers in a 16-square-mile area that includes La Costa, Leucadia, and the Village Park area of Encinitas. LWD manages about four million gallons of treated wastewater daily.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/omwd-education-award.jpg7841080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-09-24 10:49:232025-09-24 10:49:23San Diego Water Agencies Win Outreach and Education Program Award
Five student artists were named the winners of the Otay Water District’s 2025 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest for best illustrating the value of water. The annual contest invites K-12 grade students attending schools in the District’s service area to submit their artwork.
Students learn about the importance of a clean, reliable water supply in the classroom through the Otay Water District’s educational program, which promotes water-use efficiency through art, and turn what they’ve learned into the award-winning posters.
Students Inspire Others To Protect Vital Resource
“We are grateful for all who participate in our program and help share the many ways to use water wisely, whether at home or outdoors,” said Eileen Salmeron, Otay’s communications assistant and contest coordinator. “We hope our young generation will continue to inspire others to join in the effort in protecting this vital resource.”
This year’s high school winner, Zhaoyu Zhai, captivated the judges with his drawing of an alien figure named Adrian taking a short shower, alongside the message “Short Showers Save Water.” Adrian is part of an ongoing character series that he has been developing over the past two years and has applied to other creative projects.
“As a parent, we’ve seen how passionate Zhaoyu is about these characters,” said Zhaoyu’s mother Huiyu Li. “His work includes both hand-drawn illustrations and digital pieces that combine drawing with animation and editing. His inspiration often comes from everyday life and his creative imagination.”
Winners Advance to Regional Southern California Competition
Although there were no middle school submissions, winners were selected in the kindergarten-third grade, fourth-sixth grade, and high school categories. The District recognized the winners at its Aug. 6 Board of Directors meeting with a gift card, certificate, art kit, and a goody bag.
The 2025 Student Poster Contest winners include:
K-Third Grade Category:
Second grader Ethan Quintero-Ramos, won in the elementary school category. Photo: Otay Water District
First Place: Ethan Quintero-Ramos, Second Grade, Olympic View Elementary
First grader Jacob Irons won second place in the K-Third Grade Category. Photo: Otay Water District
Second Place: Jacob Irons, First Grade, Discovery Charter Elementary
Fourth – Sixth Grade Category:
Mila Vega’s winning artwork won first place in the fourth to sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District
First Place: Mila Vega, Fifth Grade, Valle Lindo Elementary
Sophie Coghill’s poster won second place in the fourth to sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District
Second Place: Sophie Coghill, Fifth Grade, Tiffany Elementary
High School Category:
Zhaoyu Zhai’s creative alien theme won the high school category. Photo: Otay Water District
First Place: Zhaoyu Zhai, Ninth Grade, Otay Ranch High School
The posters now advance to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest, for a chance to be featured in MWD’s 2026 Art Calendar. The winners will be announced later this year.
Otay Water District students have won the regional contest and been included in the Metropolitan calendar the past three years, including Ava Fabunan from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in 2025; Sofia Cardenas Loera of STEAM Academy and Sophia Garvida of Bonita Vista Middle School in 2024; and Christian Rogacion from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and Khilee Haull from Hillsdale Middle School in 2023.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/otay-2025-jacob-irons-1-elem-art-copy.jpg7181080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-08-21 15:24:132025-08-21 15:24:13Winning Student Artwork Spotlights the Value of Water in Otay Student Poster Contest
The Vallecitos Water District (VWD) Board of Directors recognized students from district schools for their excellence in the classroom through its 2025 Student Poster Art Contest at its June board meeting.
Three fourth-grade students from the local community were named winners of the district’s annual student poster art contest. The poster contest, targeting fourth-grade students, is designed to promote an understanding of water issues in elementary schools.
In this year’s contest, 30 students submitted their artwork from the 12 schools with fourth-grade classes within the San Marcos Unified School District.
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 2026 North County Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available free at the district’s office starting in November 2025. The calendar includes winning artwork from 11 North County water agencies.
“It’s inspiring to see how fourth graders turn their creativity into powerful messages about the value of water,” said Vallecitos Board President Jim Pennock. “A big shoutout to our 2025 winners for their amazing artwork and for reminding us all how essential—and worth protecting—our water really is!”
Winning Posters Depict The Value of Water
Jimena Castillo Medina of Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School won first place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Jimena Castillo Medina, a fourth-grade student at Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School, won first place for her artwork, titled “Every Drop Counts.” Jimena says water “is good for your health and it helps people.” Her teacher is Andrea Vigil-Ruiz.
Liv Williams of Discovery Elementary School won second place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Fourth-grader Liv Williams at Discovery Elementary School won second place for her entry, which featured a mountain landscape and a person immersed in the beauty of the landscape. Liv wrote in her entry that water “helps us with our daily lifestyles. It also keeps us hydrated. Last, it can be really really really pretty!” Her teacher is Holly Hartzell.
Maryanne Alvizures of Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School won third place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Third place went to fourth grader Maryanne Alvizures of Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School and also in Ms. Vigil-Ruiz’s class. Maryanne’s artwork depicts the Earth with a massive water faucet, symbolizing rain that provides water to trees, flowers, birds, and animals. Maryanne wrote, “Without water, we will not survive.”
Winning students received gift cards in the amount of $100, $75, and $50.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/vwd-2025-poster-winners-2343.jpg7861080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-06-02 07:34:452025-06-05 07:35:07Students Recognized For Conservation Posters by Vallecitos Water District
Twelve fourth-grade students from schools in Escondido were recognized at the City of Escondido’s May City Council Meeting as finalists in the 2025 Water Awareness Student Poster Contest.
Three students were named first, second, and third-place winners for their entries. These three winners will have their artwork featured in the 2026 North County Water Agency Water Awareness Calendar.
The contest is a part of the City of Escondido’s Water Science Education Program, which offers free presentations on a variety of water science topics to elementary school classrooms.
Throughout the school year, City staff provide free water science presentations on a variety of topics from the water cycle to the water treatment process to elementary school students. The contest theme, “Love Water, Save Water,” invites fourth-grade students to consider what they’ve learned about water and to illustrate the value of its water resources.
City staff reviewed nearly 100 entries, which depicted messages of pollution prevention and water conservation. Posters were judged on artistic skill, creativity, and representation of the theme.
Students Depict Value of Water in Winning Artwork
The winning artwork selected for 2025:
Milan Galiano from Heritage Elementary School is this year’s first-place winner in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest. Photo: City of Escondido
First Place: Milan Galiano, Heritage Elementary, Mrs. Miller’s class
Citlali Gutierrez from Lincoln Elementary School is this year’s first place winner in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest. Photo: City of Escondido
Second Place: Citlali Gutierrez, Lincoln Elementary School, Ms. Schaffer’s class
Haley Hone from Grace Christian School is this year’s first-place winner in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest. Photo: City of Escondido
Third Place: Haley Hone, Grace Christian School, Mrs. Arnold’s class
Finalists in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest also include (clockwise from top left): Ava Barclay, Ethan Blades, Landon Hickman, Michael Harmon. Photo: City of Escondido
The City of Escondido congratulates the 12 finalists in this year’s Fourth Grade Water Awareness Poster Contest and thanks all the talented student artists who entered, as well as their dedicated teachers who brought this opportunity to consider and illustrate the value of water to their classrooms.
Finalists in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest also include (clockwise from top left): Lila Manoocheri, Nathali Morales Amaya, Pakeezah Nabi, Matthew Rios Perez. Photo: City of Escondido
Finalists in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest also include Baylie Samo. Photo: City of Escondido
All twelve finalist posters, along with information about rebates and other resources for water conservation, can be viewed on the City’s Environmental Programs webpage.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/escondido-2025-poster-winners.jpg7211080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-05-28 07:31:062025-05-28 07:31:06Winners Announced In City of Escondido 2025 Student Poster Contest
